Optimal Traction Battery Module Sizing for Cost-effective Second Life Reuse

In this paper, the technical-economic aspects of vehicle traction lithium-ion battery reuse after primary use in electric vehicles (EVs) are analysed and evaluated. \nIt is common opinion that a battery that needs to be retired because of its initial capacity reduction, intrinsically generates an intrinsic economic-environmental issue, although, paradoxically, the electric vehicle is usually perceived as a suitable solution to the problem of emission. Actually, batteries no longer suitable for electric traction could have a second life in more relaxed performance applications both in stationary energy storage systems and as energy buffer for mitigating the grid power demand of a cluster of EVs charging infrastructures.\nAll the players involved in the supply chain are strongly coping with this ever and ever increasing problem trying to turn it in an opportunity. This means to find the right strategy and the right threshold between reusing and recycling, on the basis of a cross-related technological and economic analysis.\nIn the following inquiry, a study aiming to identify the more convenient size of battery module is presented. \nThe study is based on an advanced model for the Present Value of Throughput (PVT) estimation that allows, with respect to the aforementioned PVT models, even the rate of decrease in battery disposal costs. \nA case study targeted to European and particularly Italian market is reported, yet useful guidelines and considerations can be easily generalized for different markets and applications as well.