Batteries from Renault’s electric vehicles are to be repurposed for trials of a home energy battery storage system.

Powervault is to trial Renault’s EV batteries in its home energy storage units.

Solar energy equipment supplier Powervault is to install the batteries in its system, with 50 units to be trialled by M&S Energy customers plus social housing tenants and schools in the South East to assess their technical performance as well as customer reaction.

The pilot, which will provide a second life for the Renault batteries for up to a further 10 years before they are recycled, could help develop a roll-out strategy of home energy storage for the mass-market and comes as Powervault launches a crowd-funding campaign on CrowdCube to help accelerate its plans.

Nicolas Schottey, program director, EV batteries and infrastructures at Renault, said: “Thanks to this home energy storage partnership with Powervault, Renault is adding a new element into its global strategy for second life batteries, which already covers a large number of usages from industrial to residential building and districts.  The second life use not only gives additional life to electric vehicle batteries before they are recycled, but also allow consumers to save money.  It’s a win-win-win: for EV owners, home-owners and the planet.”

For more of the latest industry news, click here.