Infinitev Expands Overseas with New Battery Facility in New Zealand

How can Infinitev’s innovative approach to battery remanufacturing and repurposing contribute to a greener future for the automotive industry?

Australian company Infinitev, known for its end-of-life electrified vehicle (EV) battery remanufacturing and repurposing operation, has opened a new state-of-the-art facility in Auckland, New Zealand. The expansion comes in response to increasing demand caused by a flood of used import EVs.

Infinitev, an Australian company specializing in end-of-life electrified vehicle (EV) battery remanufacturing and repurposing, has expanded its operations overseas with a new facility in Auckland, New Zealand. The demand for Infinitev’s second-life battery program has been on the rise since its launch in November last year, leading to the establishment of the new battery facility in Auckland. This expansion comes as a response to the increasing number of used import EVs flooding the market.

In the Melbourne facility alone, over 700 battery packs, containing more than 23,000 modules, have been repurposed so far. The success of the Australian-first second-life battery program has attracted strong interest from overseas markets, particularly in New Zealand. The influx of grey imports from Japan, driven by legislation and incentives from the New Zealand government to promote environmentally friendly vehicles, has created ample opportunities for Infinitev to reuse and repurpose batteries from hybrid and electric vehicles.

The vehicles imported to New Zealand through this scheme are typically six to eight years old, which means that their batteries are post-warranty. Infinitev aims to assist customers and manufacturers in ensuring proper treatment of these batteries and potentially prolonging their usage. The Auckland facility matches the size and output capacity of the Melbourne facility, increasing Infinitev’s total battery remanufacturing capacity to 100 units per month between the two sites. Both facilities are modular to accommodate future growth in demand.

Infinitev’s remanufacturing and repurposing capabilities cover batteries from hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure-electric vehicles. Any unviable units and cells are sent away for safe, specialist recycling. This sustainable approach not only reduces waste but also saves EV owners thousands of dollars by avoiding the need for a full battery pack replacement. According to recent data, most battery packs lose 20-30% of their capacity compared to new ones around the six-year mark. Until now, many of these battery packs were discarded as consumable items.

Infinitev’s expertise lies in identifying and repairing faulty or underperforming battery packs. By giving these batteries a second life, Infinitev contributes to a sustainable circular economy. Batteries that are no longer suitable for vehicle applications can be repurposed as energy storage systems. Currently, only a fraction of lithium used in batteries worldwide is recycled, but Infinitev aims to change that. The company has implemented algorithms for triaging batteries based on their status and information. Depending on the material, minerals, and chemistry of the battery, Infinitev can reuse, repurpose, or recycle it. The company partners with a third-party recycler that meets its requirements and ensures the responsible recycling of batteries.

Infinitev’s commitment to creating a circular economy for hybrid and electric vehicles aligns with its mission to assist manufacturers in their sustainability efforts. Traditionally, the automotive industry sources materials from the Earth to manufacture batteries, resulting in the disposal of faulty products as waste. In contrast, Infinitev collaborates with the automotive industry and other stakeholders to establish a sustainable circular economy for EV batteries. This approach reduces the industry’s environmental impact and supports the transition to greener transportation.

In addition to its battery remanufacturing and repurposing operations, Infinitev is set to launch plug-and-play energy storage systems using repurposed lithium EV batteries. Developed in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, these systems offer reliable energy peak shaving, load leveling, and even potential off-grid power supply. The company has already demonstrated the feasibility of these systems through a pilot program, repurposing nine vehicles’ worth of batteries. Infinitev plans to launch its Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) product by March 2024.

The success and interest garnered by Infinitev’s battery remanufacturing and repurposing program extend beyond Australia and New Zealand. The company has received queries from neighboring countries regarding their hybrid batteries. Furthermore, discussions with the United Nations Development Programme are underway to explore how Infinitev can support less developed countries in accelerating their adoption of EVs and low-emission vehicles.

Customers looking for affordable battery replacements will find Infinitev’s remanufactured battery packs to be an attractive option. These packs come with a three-year/40,000km warranty and are available at a significantly lower price compared to new OEM equivalents. For example, a new OEM battery for a Toyota Prius costs around $3000 when fitted. In contrast, an aftermarket battery with a three-year/200,000km warranty costs approximately $2500 when fitted. However, Infinitev’s remanufactured battery, which contributes to the circular economy, is priced at just $2000 when fitted and comes with a three-year/40,000km warranty.

• Infinitev has established a second battery facility in Auckland, New Zealand, to meet the demand for its second-life battery program.
• The company has repurposed over 700 battery packs in its Melbourne facility since launching the program in November last year.
• The Auckland site has a similar size and output capacity to the Melbourne facility and allows for increased capacity in line with market growth.
• Infinitev can reuse or repurpose batteries from hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure-electric vehicles, with unviable units sent for recycling.
• The company’s process saves EV owners money by avoiding the need for a full battery pack replacement.
• Infinitev aims to recycle up to 70-80% of lithium used in EV batteries, contributing to a sustainable circular economy.
• The company plans to launch plug-and-play energy storage systems using repurposed lithium EV batteries in early 2024.
• Infinitev has received interest from neighboring countries and discussions with the United Nations Development Programme for further expansion.
• Remanufactured battery packs from Infinitev come with a three-year/40,000km warranty and are offered at a significantly lower price than new OEM equivalents.

Infinitev’s expansion into New Zealand with a new battery facility highlights the company’s success in the field of end-of-life EV battery remanufacturing and repurposing. The demand for the second-life battery program has been significant, leading Infinitev to establish a facility in Auckland to cater to the surge in used import EVs. The company’s ability to reuse, repurpose, and recycle batteries contributes to a sustainable circular economy for hybrid and electric vehicles. Infinitev’s future plans include launching plug-and-play energy storage systems and exploring opportunities for further expansion beyond Australia and New Zealand. With its affordable remanufactured battery packs and commitment to sustainability, Infinitev is making a significant impact in the EV industry.