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Honda Aims to Put Used EV Batteries to Work

Honda is working with Ohio-based electric utility American Electric Power to develop a network of used electric vehicle batteries to supplement electric grids.
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Honda Motor Co. is working with Ohio-based electric utility American Electric Power to develop a network of used electric vehicle batteries to supplement electric grids.

Under a pilot program, Honda will supply used Fit EV batteries to AEP. The partners note that storing energy in second-life batteries would boost capacity during peak-demand times and reduce the need to generate electricity from coal-derived sources.

Honda also has been testing a bi-directional charging system in Germany for more than a year. That technology would allow EV owners to sell excess electricity back to utility companies.

Several other carmakers also are working on second-life applications for used EV batteries. BMW launched a pilot program in 2017 and Renault followed suit a year later with three test facilities in Europe.

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