As electricity demand rises and renewable energy grows in the U.S., battery storage is key. Waymo has launched a battery repurposing program to give retired electric vehicle (EV) batteries a new purpose in the power sector.
Waymo is working with B2U Storage Solutions to turn used batteries from its all-electric fleet into large-scale energy storage systems. Instead of recycling these batteries after use, Waymo will repurpose them to store electricity and support local power grids.
This program reflects a commitment to the circular economy, keeping products useful before recycling.
Adam Lenz, Head of Sustainability & Environment at Waymo, said:
“Our shared fleet of EVs provide a massive opportunity to support the growth of clean energy on the electricity grid while expanding the circular economy. Through this partnership, we can repurpose our batteries for local grid storage and ensure our batteries continue to provide economic and environmental value to the community long after they’ve retired from the road.”
Turning Old EV Batteries Into Energy Assets
EV batteries often retain significant storage capacity after their driving days. While their performance may drop for vehicles, many can still serve well in energy storage projects.
The press release says that retired Waymo batteries will join grid-connected energy storage systems through this partnership. These systems will store electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind.
During peak renewable generation, especially when solar production is high, the batteries will absorb excess electricity. Later, when demand increases in the evening, this stored energy can flow back into the grid.
This process helps balance electricity supply and demand, making renewable energy more reliable.
B2U specializes in second-life battery storage technology. They will manage the batteries during their second use and ensure proper recycling when they reach the end of their life.
Here’s a picture to show how B2U’s storage works.
This collaboration creates a complete lifecycle pathway for EV batteries—from vehicle use to energy storage and finally recycling.
Supporting Growing Demand for Battery Storage
This initiative comes at a time of rapid growth in renewable energy and battery storage in the U.S.
- According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), developers plan to add 86 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale electricity generation capacity by 2026. If completed, it would be a record increase.
Solar energy will account for over half of these additions, with battery storage the second-largest category. Wind energy also plays a significant role in this growth.
In 2025, the U.S. power sector added 53 GW of new capacity, the highest since 2002. Meanwhile, battery storage installations keep increasing.
- They also expect to add about 24 GW of utility-scale battery storage in 2026, surpassing the previous record of 15 GW installed in 2025. Over the last five years, more than 40 GW of battery storage capacity has been added to the grid.
Texas, California, and Arizona are expected to account for around 80% of the planned battery storage in 2026.
The Grid Advantage of Reusing EV Batteries
Repurposing EV batteries offers crucial benefits for power systems and communities.
First, it extends the useful life of battery materials. Making lithium-ion batteries requires a lot of critical minerals and energy. Second-use batteries maximize the value of those materials.
Second, second-life batteries can lower energy storage costs. Since the batteries have already served in transportation, utilities can access storage capacity at lower costs than buying new systems.
Third, repurposing helps reduce electronic waste. Companies can keep batteries in use for several more years, easing pressure on waste management.
- Most importantly, battery storage boosts grid reliability. Renewable sources like solar and wind don’t produce electricity constantly. Energy storage systems fill this gap by storing power when production is high and delivering it when demand rises.
As renewable energy grows, these storage systems will be vital for stable electricity networks.
Freeman Hall, CEO of B2U Storage Solutions, said:
“This agreement marks a significant milestone in B2U’s mission to provide integrated repurposing services to the automotive industry. By extending the use of these batteries as grid storage, we are monetizing the full potential of EV batteries, now providing crucial stability to the power grid as energy demand continues to grow.”
First Deployments Planned for Texas and California
The first battery storage projects in the Waymo-B2U partnership will focus on Texas and California. Waymo already provides public autonomous ride-hailing services in these states.
Both states lead in renewable energy deployment. California increasingly relies on clean electricity and often has periods where renewable generation exceeds demand. Texas continues to lead the nation in new solar installations.
Waymo plans to repurpose old EV batteries into stationary storage systems. This will help manage renewable energy growth and improve local electricity infrastructure.
The company believes this initiative could deploy hundreds of megawatts of storage capacity in these regions. As autonomous EVs retire, their batteries could continue to provide value long after leaving the road.
This partnership shows how transportation electrification and clean energy can work together. Instead of viewing used EV batteries as waste, Waymo and B2U are transforming them into valuable energy assets. These assets support grid reliability, renewable energy integration, and a sustainable circular economy.
Waymo’s Broader Sustainability Efforts
The battery repurposing program is part of Waymo’s larger sustainability strategy. The company operates one of the largest fleets of fully autonomous electric vehicles, providing over 500,000 paid EV trips each week. These trips help cut emissions by replacing conventional vehicles with electric ones.
- Waymo estimates that every 500,000 weekly trips prevent about 530 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
It also measures emissions avoided through its autonomous electric service. This framework evaluates the environmental benefits of electric, autonomous, and shared mobility solutions.
Additionally, the company reports its greenhouse gas emissions through parent company Alphabet as part of broader environmental efforts.
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