Volvo Buses is now giving a second life to batteries from electric buses. In a cooperation with Stena Property and Stena Recycling’s subsidiary BatteryLoop, bus batteries are being used for energy storage and as an energy source in Gothenburg’s Fyrklövern residential complex. The project is a step towards circular economy in electromobility creating new commercial possibilities for companies.
Håkan Agnevall, President of Volvo Buses, said: “Volvo Buses is a pioneer in electromobility, driven by the aim of creating clean, quiet and efficient public transport. Reuse of the batteries from our buses gives them a second life, allowing us to use resources in a better way while at the same time reducing our climate impact. Electromobility creates new circular business systems and it is rewarding to work with Stena Property and Stena Recycling to develop this new business”.
This project is the second that Volvo Buses is engaged in for maximising the use of bus batteries. It is running a similar project together with several partners in the Viva residential area in Gothenburg. The project has received a number of awards, including the Environmental Building of the Year from Sweden Green Building Awards 2019.
“We have a clear-cut sustainability strategy at Volvo Buses, where we not only aim to create sustainable public transport but also work to ensure that our entire value chain is sustainable. At the same time we create yet another commercial incentive for electric buses since the application area for bus batteries is expanded,” continued Håkan.
In Fyrklövern the reused batteries will be charged from solar panels fitted to the building roofs, and the electricity that is stored in them will be used for public areas such as laundries and outdoor lighting. When the battery pack’s energy storage capability ends, the batteries will be sent to Stena Recycling for recycling.
