Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Waymo to Repurpose Retired Robotaxi Batteries for Grid Storage

The deal extends vehicle packs into stationary systems that store excess renewable power for use during peak demand.

Overview

  • Waymo and B2U announced a strategic supply agreement on Thursday and B2U has started receiving initial smaller batches of retired Waymo battery packs.
  • B2U will integrate those packs into grid-connected storage projects in California and Texas, including its Lancaster site and a planned project in Bexar County, with staged build-outs over months to years.
  • Both companies say the partnership could supply hundreds of megawatt-hours of second-life storage over time while Waymo retains discretion on when packs are released as vehicles are refreshed or retired.
  • B2U estimates repurposed Waymo packs can deliver a few thousand more charge cycles, roughly five to eight years of service in stationary use, before the cells are sent for final recycling.
  • The agreement leverages Waymo’s high-mileage robotaxi fleet to create a predictable second-life battery stream that could lower storage costs, help integrate more solar and wind on local grids, and strengthen Waymo’s charging resilience.