Battery second life
V1.0
This methodology covers projects that refurbish or regenerate used batteries, extend their usable lifetime, reduce hazardous waste, and avoid the production of new batteries. Eligible battery applications include starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) batteries; light means of transport batteries (LMT); electric vehicle (EV) batteries; and energy storage systems (ESS). Eligible battery chemistries include nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), and lead-acid (Pb-acid) batteries.
Methodology name
Battery second life
Version
1.0
Methodology ID
RIV-REC-02-BAT-V1.0
Release date
February 4th, 2025
Status
In use
Glossary
Auxiliary components
The individual non-electrochemical parts within a battery pack, including casings, connectors, and electronic control systems. It does not include Battery Units (BU) or Battery Management System (BMS).
The basic functional unit in a battery, composed of electrodes, electrolyte, container, terminals and, if applicable, separators, and containing the active materials the reaction of which generates electrical energy.
Battery marketplace
An online or physical platform for buying, selling, or trading batteries or battery-related services.
Electronic device that manages the electric and thermal functions of a battery to ensure the it’s safety, performance and service life; and manages the data for determining the battery’s state of health and expected lifetime.
Any set of battery cells that are connected or encapsulated within an outer casing to protect the cells against external impact. One module may be used alone or in combination with other modules.
Battery pack
The item encompassing all other components described here. It includes battery units (arranged in series, parallel, or both), and depending on the specific battery type, may include a BMS and various auxiliary components.
Battery recycling
The process of recovering used batteries to extract valuable materials (such as metals, plastics, and chemicals) and ensure that harmful substances are safely disposed of. Unlike refurbishing or regeneration, the recycled battery is no longer usable after the process.
Battery refurbishing
The mechanical process of replacing worn components, reconditioning structure, disassembly, cleaning, and testing. High-quality parts are reused for "second-life" batteries, extending lifespan for battery repurposing or returning to its original application.
Battery regeneration
The process of restoring battery performance by reversing chemical degradation, via e.g. deep discharging and recharging, or applying specific electrical pulses. It can also include electrolytes replacement (Pb-acid batteries). It improves battery's capacity and efficiency without replacing major components. The regenerated battery usually returns to its original application.
Battery repurposing
A form of battery second life, where the battery is used in a different application than its original purpose and its first life use.
Battery reuse
A form of battery second-life, where the battery is used in the same application as in its first life, that it was initially designed for.
Battery second life
Extended use of a battery after it can no longer perform its original application from its first life. This reduces environmental impact by delaying recycling or disposal, and replacing the need for new battery production.
Battery Unit (BU)
A single battery (lead-acid batteries) or cells and modules (li-ion and NiMH) that can store electrical energy and provide power.
EV battery
A battery designed specifically to power electric vehicles (EVs), typically using lithium-ion and NiMH chemistry.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
A policy approach that holds manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially waste management.
Energy storage system (ESS)
A battery capable of storing energy in order to supply electrical energy at a later time.
Industrial battery
Batteries that are used in off-highway electric vehicles such as forklifts, construction equipment such as scissor lifts, excavators, and agricultural machinery.
Li-ion
Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery is a type of rechargeable battery that relies on lithium ions moving between a graphite anode and a lithium metal oxide cathode during charge and discharge cycles.
LMT
Batteries used in Light Means of Transport (LMT) such as e-bikes and e-scooters. Usually using Li-ion and NiMH battery chemistries.
NiMH
A battery Nickel Metal Hydrade (NiMH) battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses a nickel oxide hydroxide cathode and a hydrogen-absorbing alloy anode.
Pb-acid
Lead-acid (Pb-acid) battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses lead dioxide as the cathode, sponge lead as the anode, and a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte.
Preparation for reuse
Inspecting, testing, and preparing battery units, auxiliary components and packs to be reused in their original function without significant alterations
Preparation for repurpose
Inspecting, testing, and preparing battery units, auxiliary components and packs to be repurposed and used for a different function (e.g. an EV battery repurposed to an ESS).
PRO
A Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) is an organization or company responsible for ensuring that producers meet their environmental obligations under EPR frameworks.
SLI
Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) batteries are a specific type of lead-acid battery used in vehicles to power ignition, lights, and electronic accessories.
SoH
The State of Health (SoH) represents a battery's condition and energy capacity compared to its original state. Expressed as a percentage, 100% indicates perfect condition, while lower values show degradation due to factors like age and use. SoH helps evaluate a battery's performance, and is a factor in determining remaining battery lifetime.
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