Business models for sustainability: The case of repurposing a second-life for electric vehicle batteries

Abstract

The rapid development of electric vehicles (EVs) has caused a problem for the industry: what happens to the batteries at the end of their useful life in EVs? Repurposing those batteries for a less-demanding second-life application, e.g. stationary energy storage, could provide a potential solution to extract more value than just recycling or disposal. This study examines the battery second use (B2U) business models being developed by various actors that generate value through different second-use applications. Based on empirical interview data from stakeholders involved in B2U, this paper presents a typology of current B2U business models – standard, collaborative and integrative business models – and offers implications for designing business models that incorporate sustainability at the core.