The transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) promises a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future. However, BEV production emits more greenhouse gasses than ICE due to the traction battery. Therefore, a circular economy that enables the repair, remanufacturing, and reuse of the battery is critical to ensure BEVs fulfil the promise of a cleaner mode of transport.
For end-of-life (EOL) ICE vehicles in the US, according to SAE, 84% of vehicles by weight have their components reused, remanufactured, and recycled. It is critically important that the success of the existing EOL ICE reuse and recycling market be replicated for BEVs. Automotive recycling and dismantling facilities determine what makes the most economic sense for each vehicle and their components through the principles of highest and best use. A highest and best use analysis works by identifying the maximum value for each vehicle component, which is also often correlated with the best environmental outcome. In the case of BEV vehicles, the ability to acquire vehicles when competing with other industry segments is critically dependent upon whether an automotive recycler/dismantler can put a traction battery to its highest and best use.
BEV traction batteries age over time and usage, but it’s difficult to assess the health of a battery with today’s commercially available technologies. Unlike an ICE vehicle, where the mileage on the vehicle’s odometer serves as a good metric for what the vehicle should be valued at due to a direct correlation to the mechanical wear of an engine and transmission, an odometer reading does not provide satisfactory details as to the condition of the battery pack. Battery life and condition can change due to temperature, humidity, usage, and charging conditions – mileage alone cannot adequately assess the condition of a traction battery.
ReJoule is an advanced battery diagnostic company with the mission of creating a circular BEV battery economy by enabling battery reuse, remanufacturing, and repurposing. ReJoule has pioneered an advanced battery test technique to accurately, quickly, and reliably estimate a battery’s state-of-health (SOH). ReJoule’s latest product, the BattScan500V, is designed to test batteries through the BEV’s DC fast charging port. This makes battery testing much simpler because it doesn’t require technicians or equipment to take a battery out of the car. The solution consists of proprietary hardware and software – see how it works in 3 easy steps in this 1 minute demo. This solution can be used to assess the health of a battery so that it can be put to its highest and best use.
ReJoule is currently seeking pilot partners to trial the device in their repair shops and help collect benchmark data. Join us in pioneering the future of electric vehicle battery longevity. Participate in our beta user study to uncover how to maximize battery performance and get access to battery reports. This 1 pager outlines the requirements for beta users. For those who don’t have the space or technicians available to be a beta user, you can still have your vehicles tested and receive a battery report. There are two locations in LA County in Southern California that can perform the testing. Each test currently requires ReJoule to have the vehicle for 24 hours. Rental or loaner vehicles can be made available to those who need it while the vehicle is being tested.
The pilot is currently focused on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range with a CCS chip. This includes vehicles produced from October 2021 onward or any vehicles that had the chip installed afterwards. You can contact Tesla to get the chip installed. One of our beta users was quoted $350 for the installation, whereas Tesla only charged for the part. The estimated time in the quote was 0.24 hours but we recommend budgeting time in case there are any compatibility issues or further testing required. If you’re interested in being part of the beta or simply want to learn more, please contact Carmen (cthidalgo@rejouleenergy.com) with the email subject heading ‘BattScan500V pilot interest’.
Note: excerpts are pulled from a white paper published by ReJoule and the Automotive Recyclers Association. A copy of the white paper is available for download on ReJoule’s website (rejouleenergy.com)
