Toyota gives old EV batteries a second life to power Mazda car plant

Toyota and Mazda have collaborated to test an innovative energy storage system in Japan that repurposes retired electric vehicle (EV) batteries to power Mazda’s Hiroshima car plant. Developed by Toyota, the Sweep Energy Storage System rapidly manages power flow between batteries of varying ages, chemistries, and capacities—including lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, and lead-acid cells—without needing separate management units. This approach extends the life of high-voltage battery packs from hybrid and electric vehicles, including those damaged in accidents, by using them as stationary energy buffers to stabilize renewable energy supply and reduce waste. The project aims to demonstrate stable, reliable, and efficient charging and discharging performance, contributing to carbon neutrality by regulating fluctuating renewable energy sources. It also supports the creation of a sustainable battery ecosystem in Japan, addressing industry-wide challenges related to resource security and supply chain resilience. This initiative builds on Toyota’s earlier partnership with JERA, which launched a similar battery storage system in 2022 using reclaimed EV batteries