A Novel Approach for the Second Life of EV Batteries

Since the last decade of the twentieth century, lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) have become a relevant source of power for diverse applications, initially for consumer electronics and nowadays mainly for electric vehicles (EVs). The large demand for EVs is mainly related to their potential to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As a result, substantial quantities of used lithium-ion batteries are expected to arrive on national collection systems for disposal, treatment, or second-life usage. This paper explores the potential of repurposing EV batteries in second-life applications for public illumination, addressing both environmental and operational considerations. The sustainability benefits include minimizing ecological impact, extending the battery life of EVs, and most importantly, mitigating the carbon footprint of consuming electric energy for illumination public spots. Furthermore, the research proposes a novel management architecture for operating and maintaining (OM) a cluster of public illumination spots powered by second-life EV batteries. The proposed architecture will enable battery health monitoring, smart charging and control systems, and predictive maintenance. By implementing this management architecture, we aim to ensure the efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective operation of public illumination systems powered by second-life EV batteries. This approach presents a promising avenue for mitigating the environmental impact of EV battery disposal while simultaneously contributing to developing a more sustainable and resilient public lighting infrastructure. This points to a path for further investigation and implementation of second-life EV batteries in public illumination, promoting a circular economy, pollution prevention, and advancing the transition toward a more sustainable future.