Kia and Infinitev to reuse, repurpose and recycle EV batteries

Infinitev, an emerging leader in the electric vehicle battery sector, has partnered with Kia Australia, a progressive brand in the local automotive market, to transform the landscape of electric vehicle (EV) battery reuse, repurpose, and recycling solutions.

With the rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry, the demand for battery technology is soaring. Recognising the immense potential in eco-friendly battery solutions, Infinitev and Kia Australia have joined forces to address the critical challenges associated with the entire lifecycle of EV batteries.

This groundbreaking partnership aims to leverage Infinitev’s cutting-edge expertise in sustainable technology and Kia’s renowned position as a global mobility solutions provider, to develop sustainable and scalable solutions for EV battery management. Together, the two companies will set new standards of excellence and reshape the future of electric vehicle sustainability.

Dickson Leow, General Manager of Infinitev, expressed his enthusiasm for the battery reuse and repurpose program, “We are proud to have a holistic solution that addresses the environmental concerns associated with electric vehicle batteries. Our innovative reuse approach ensures that the transition to a circular economy is not only sustainable but also reduces waste and preserves valuable resources. Through responsible battery management, we can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and build a greener Australia.”

Infinitev cutting-edge R&D

Leveraging cutting-edge R&D and with more than four decades of expertise in automotive electronics re-engineering, Infinitev has developed a comprehensive suite of battery lifecycle management solutions. When a traction battery experiences diminished functionality within a vehicle, Infinitev initiates a rigorous protocol starting with a SafetyCheck—a meticulous examination encompassing both a physical and electrochemical safety assessments of EV batteries.

Following the SafetyCheck, Infinitev’s skilled engineers employ their proprietary HealthCheck diagnostic tools to conduct thorough performance evaluations of the battery pack and its individual modules. This comprehensive assessment yields a precise characterisation, placing the modules into one of three distinct categories:

1. A grade modules are reused to build batteries for EV traction
2. B grade modules are repurposed for battery energy storage systems
3. C grade modules are recycled by Infinitev’s partners to recover valuable materials

Damien Meredith, Chief Executive Officer at Kia Australia said, “We are currently in the very early stages of developing a solution tailored to Kia customers that will allow their electric vehicle batteries to be refurbished instead of discarded.”

“What happens to an electric vehicle battery at the end of its life is an important consideration when it comes to EV buyers, so this is a very significant program.”

Kia EV Lineup

Kia Australia’s lineup of electric vehicles started with the introduction of the first-generation Niro in 2021. Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants of the large SUV Sorento followed along with the second-generation Niro, all adapted from platforms initially designed for internal combustion engine models.

Kia’s journey towards becoming a truly sustainable mobility solutions leader really hit the mark with the introduction of its first vehicle built on a dedicated Electric Global Modular (E-GMP), the award-winning Kia EV6.

The EV6 will soon be joined by Kia’s new electric Upper Large SUV, the Kia EV9, both offering a holistic strategy for mitigating the environmental impact of a car, from design through to end-of-life disposal.

This collaboration between Infinitev and Kia Australia marks a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable transportation. By combining their strengths, these two industry trailblazers will pave the way for a cleaner, greener future, revolutionising the way electric vehicle batteries are utilised, repurposed, and recycled.