What are the advantages of Second-Life Battery? On Battery Tech for EV on November 19-20 in Gothenburg we are very proud the present the founders of Rebaba as speakers. Paula Runsten and Felix Kruse will address the importance of battery circulation with a second life perspective. They will present their mission to a sustainable future, and we took the opportunity to ask them a few questions prior to the event.

Could you please introduce yourselves and your work at Rebaba?

We are mechanical engineers with backgrounds within the battery and EV industry from Northvolt, Tesla, and within sustainable infrastructure in buildings. These experiences made us realise the massive demand and opportunities for batteries, but also the negative parts of the carbon-intensive and unethical value chain of battery production. At the same time, we saw the OEM’s issues with the logistics and cost of recycling, as well as the huge amount of already produced battery capacity, around 80% for EV batteries, being wasted due to resource-inefficiency in the value chain.

We wanted to make a difference and saw an opportunity to make a triple-sided impact: fix the broken value chain of lithium-ion batteries, supply the electricity grid with the flexibility and balance it desperately needs, and help our customers save money on their electricity bills as well as generate revenue by helping balance the grid. We do this by upcycling old EV-batteries into stationary energy storage systems, like large scale power banks that can store solar and wind power. This is enabled thanks to our innovative cooling technology making the systems safe, cost-efficient, and scalable. Our vision is to democratize the access to sustainable and affordable energy worldwide by scaling our technology to local battery streams on a global level.

What will you speak about at Battery Tech for EV 2024?

We will speak not only about the importance of resource-efficient value chains, but also about how circularity is the best way of creating a sustainable and profitable business long term, not some goodwill. Sharing our thoughts on how we create a win-win-win towards business partners, customers, and ourselves. That is the fine thing with one’s trash… we can capitalize on what has already been produced and relieve our partners of costs and CO2-emissions. We will also talk about how to leverage partnerships to accelerate development and time to market.

What are the next steps towards a sustainable and smart energy future?

The energy system is very complex and to transition from a fossil-based energy system that has been developed the last 150 years to a clean energy future in the coming 20 years is complex. Our belief is that this takes tremendous efforts in cooperation where each technology has their specific place in the ecosystem. There is no silver bullet but rather a vast number of solutions and the best way to build a resilient, sustainable and smart energy future is to collaborate.

What are the advantages of second-life battery?

Second life batteries enable the green transition without compromises. Our systems offer the same price, performance, and warranties as virgin batteries, but with 0-carbon battery emissions, saving up to 100 tons of CO2 per containerized system.

There are also significant advantages in mitigating complex global supply chains, import duties, and avoiding regulatory barriers.

What is the most important thing you would like to share in your presentation?

We would like to highlight the often overlooked value of second-life battery streams, as well as the importance of cooperation and knowledge sharing in addressing some of the greatest challenges of our time.

What are you most looking forward to by attending and speaking at the conference?

Engaging with key stakeholders in the field to foster a collaborative environment, with the goal of transitioning Sweden and the world to a green, resilient energy grid while strengthening our position as a self-reliant nation in battery resources and a leader in the fight against climate change.