Repurposing Used Large-Format Heavy-Duty Transit Bus Batteries for Electric Vehicle Rapid Charging

Lead Proponent

Red River College

Project Background

The overall objective of this project was to implement, operate and monitor a functional Level 3-equivalent, direct current, fast charge (DCFC) light-duty vehicle charging station at Red River College based on used-batteries taken from battery-electric transit buses that have been operated for an extended period.

Results

This project was shown to improve the performance of rapid charging stations by using more efficient battery-to-battery energy transfers; reduce cost of rapid charging stations, through the use of lower-cost used batteries; and improve cold weather-related rapid charging performance.

Overall, the use of recycled mildly degraded batteries allows for repurposing of old materials rather than using more energy-intensive processes for material recovery.

Benefits to Canada

The successful completion of this project has advanced methods to reuse end-of-life electric vehicle batteries and reduced the carbon emissions footprint associated with sourcing new batteries. This has been demonstrated in a DC fast charging station for use at Red River College, further increasing accessibility for Canadian EV owners to charge their vehicles. The work supported here has enabled new skills training for students at Red River College.

Next Steps

Following project success, the learnings from this project have sprung forward other uses for second-life EV batteries. These uses have included retrofitting existing gas-powered vehicles to electric, installing new Level 1 charging systems at workplaces across the Prairies, and additional installations of DC fast charging systems along the TransCanada highway. Experienced gained in reusing EV batteries will continue to enable new applications while reducing associated carbon footprints.