ReEnergy is innovativeing the redeployment of existing automotive batteries no longer suitable for the high-current demands of automobile engine starting. The useful life of an automotive battery is generally 3-5 years while retaining the capacity to function for other uses. The high output required for a vehicle to start typically diminishes after 20% of the battery’s useful life. According to a national advertisement by O’Reilly Auto Parts, one out of four batteries will fail over the winter months.
Recycling and disposal of automotive lead-acid batteries pose significant environmental and health hazards, particularly concerning toxic recycling, smelting, and improper disposal practices. When purchased, a core deposit is used to incentivize retail battery return while the logistics, hazards, and safe material handling challenges remain poorly addressed. Based on current recycling channels, only a portion of usable batteries are diverted for redeployment, leaving approximately 25% destined for scrap material recycling. The North American model relies on approximately 15 recyclers.
