Il problema di garantire una seconda vita alle batterie delle auto elettriche è di vitale importanza nel garantire una sempre maggiore efficienza nell'intero ciclo di vita degli accumulatori. Ma per utilizzare le batterie anche quando vengono dismesse dalle loro funzioni a bordo di un'auto, bisogna accedere a una particolare certificazione. Si chiama UL 1974 e la prima azienda ad ottenerla è la 4R Energy Corporation, nata dalla joint venture tra Nissan e Sumitomo Corporation. 

Di cosa si tratta 

UL è un ente indipendente focalizzato su nuove tecnologie che siano sicure e sostenibili e ha messo a punto la certificazione UL 1974 per analizzare e valutare lo stato delle batterie usate dalle vetture elettriche in vista di un efficiente riutilizzo in sistemi di stoccaggio di energia.  

Il destino delle batterie

Ad oggi la disponibilità di batterie da riutilizzare è bassa poiché buona parte del parco auto circolante elettrico è giovane. Difficile, infatti, trovare EV con più di 10 anni sulle spalle. Va considerato che in media una batteria mantiene buona capacità di carica (almeno tra il 70 e 80%) per 8-10 anni. Nei sistemi di stoccaggio d’energia si prevede che una batteria possa lavorare ancora da 10 a 20 anni, prima di dover essere destinata al riciclaggio. Un bel vantaggio per l’ambiente.

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UL Issues World’s First Certification for Repurposed EV Batteries to 4R Energy

UL announced today that 4R Energy Corporation, a joint venture of Nissan Motors and Sumitomo Corporation focusing on the effective reuse of EV batteries for energy storage systems, is the first organization worldwide to be certified to UL 1974, the Standard for Evaluation for Repurposing Batteries.

TOKYO, August 19, 2019 – UL, a leading global safety science company, announced today that 4R Energy Corporation, a joint venture of Nissan Motors and Sumitomo Corporation focusing on the effective reuse of EV batteries for energy storage systems, is the first organization worldwide to be certified to UL 1974, the Standard for Evaluation for Repurposing Batteries.

Outlining how to sort and grade battery packs, modules and cells that were originally made for electric vehicles (EV) and other applications, UL 1974 helps identify a battery’s state-of-health and introduces ratings to determine the viability for their continued use.  Through this process, performance-validated “second-life” batteries can be utilized for energy storage systems to provide a safe, reliable, clean energy source.

Eiji Makino, president of 4R Energy, said, “Repurposed EV battery safety and reliability have always been top priorities for our company since we were established in 2010.  With UL 1974, our production process has now been certified by one of the world’s leading independent, third-party testing and certification organizations.  We are very excited about this milestone, as it helps build customer trust concerning the viability of second life batteries, and will contribute to the further growth of energy storage systems.” 

As the EV market continues to grow, there is an increased emphasis on repurposing batteries used in EVs.  Concurrent with this is an escalating demand globally for efficient renewable energy resources.  Innovative energy storage solutions are expected to become a key component of the electricity grid, boosting reliability and helping to integrate renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. 

Anticipating the deployment of second life automotive batteries for energy storage systems, UL initiated a standard development process to address the safety and reliability of repurposing batteries. In October 2018, UL 1974 was published as a bi-national Standard of the United States and Canada. 

Jeff Smidt, vice president and general manager of UL’s Energy and Power Technologies division said, “We are pleased to issue our first UL 1974 certification to 4R Energy and help accelerate the application of recycled and repurposed batteries both as a backup energy source and storage for energy generated by clean, sustainable sources.”

About UL
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