Second‐Life Application of Electric Vehicle Batteries: Electrode Deterioration, Automated Disassembly, Second‐Life Extension, and Applications

Electric car traction batteries are typically replaced before their lifespan expires, and their widespread retirement creates a significant obstacle to resource recovery and environmental conservation. There has been a recent surge in industry interest in repurposing retired batteries to generate new value by reusing them in less intensive applications. Repurposing spent LIBs for second-life (SL) applications yields substantial commercial and sustainability benefits by enhancing resource utilization, minimizing waste, and mitigating environmental impacts throughout the battery's lifecycle. Battery refurbishing and economic evaluations indicate that the use of second-life batteries (SLBs) is beneficial, despite anticipated future reductions in the price of new batteries. Since SL battery research is in its infancy, identifying potential applications is essential to understanding the "second life" concept and its associated challenges. The review examines the essential aspects of SLBs, including the supply chain, market value, and their aging mechanisms arising from the degradation of electrode materials and the charging process, such as speed and rate. Furthermore, the review explores methodologies for disassembling battery packs to access cells, determining battery usage, conducting safety assessments, extending the battery's second life, refurbishment, economic estimates, safety standards, inspection procedures, and exploring potential applications.