Nagpur: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has suggested that used lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles could be repurposed for stationary energy storage in homes, giving batteries a second life after their use in vehicles, The Times of India reported.
Speaking at the inauguration of an electric-vehicle startup in Nagpur, Gadkari said retired EV batteries could serve as a “second source” of power for households, potentially improving the economic value and sustainability of electric mobility.
The minister’s remarks highlight the potential for second-life applications of EV batteries as India’s electric vehicle fleet expands and the volume of used batteries increases.
The startup, founded by Ashish Dokania, focuses on converting conventional petrol-powered mopeds into electric vehicles through retrofitting. It already operates plants in Bengaluru and Hyderabad and has now expanded to Nagpur.
Dokania said lead-acid batteries have a lower upfront cost but offer shorter life, while lithium-ion batteries can provide significantly higher longevity, with some capable of running for up to 50,000 km. He added that portable battery systems can also be charged at home.
Gadkari emphasised that EV retrofitting should remain affordable so that consumers across different income groups can shift to electric mobility.
The retrofit kit includes a battery, motor, controller, rear wheel, display, throttle, wiring and mounting components, while modifications are made to parts such as the swing arm and suspension.
According to Dokania, battery-related components account for nearly 50% of the total retrofit cost, making battery technology a key factor in determining the affordability of converted vehicles.
The retrofitting model allows owners to convert existing petrol mopeds into electric vehicles without replacing the entire vehicle. Besides reducing the cost of transitioning to electric mobility, the approach could also extend the useful life of existing vehicles and reduce the environmental impact associated with manufacturing replacement vehicles.
The proposed second-life use of lithium-ion batteries could further strengthen the circular economy around electric mobility by allowing batteries to be reused for stationary applications after their automotive life.
