Although the group Volkswagen is carrying out several projects to fully recycle the components of the batteries through hydrometallurgy, there are other projects for second life of the modules. One of these is very particular, and Audi is taking care of it in India, through an agreement with the young local company Nunam. Their idea is to place the e-tron batteries, following use on cars, in electric rickshaws for freight.
The start-up based in Berlin and Bangalore is funded by the Audi Environmental Foundation. Nunam has developed three prototypes, and the first units are expected to hit the roads of India for the first time, again in test format, atearly 2023. The main goal of the start-up is to develop ways to extend the life of batteries by using existing resources more efficiently. This project also aims to strengthen employment opportunities for women in India.
Nunam’s co-founder Prodip Chatterjee, 31, rightly recalled: “For vehicles with lower range and power requirements than a car, as well as a lower overall weight, the batteries still remain extremely promising. Electric rickshaws have ideal ecological efficiency“. With a high energy density battery and relatively low vehicle weight, the electric motor doesn’t have to be particularly powerful, since rickshaw drivers in India travel neither fast nor far.
While being second hand, the e-tron battery can be an improvement over lead acid units, in terms of efficiency and disposal. For the latter item, in particular, specific attention is required to prevent rickshaws from disappearing to the attention of the two supplier companies once they are in circulation. For charging these electric rickshaws will use theenergy of solar stationsto be installed on the roofs of companies that will use the vehicles.
And the third life? After the Audis and the rickshaw, the batteries can still give something. The last stage could be a stationary application, such as LED lighting.
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