Waymo will give batteries retired from its all-electric fleet a second use as grid-scale energy storage, through a program expected to deploy hundreds of megawatts of capacity across the cities where it operates. The autonomous-driving company is partnering with B2U Storage Solutions, a firm that specializes in turning used EV batteries into stationary systems connected to the electricity grid. First deployments will focus on Texas and California, two states where Waymo already runs public service. The company says the packs will move from the road into grid storage rather than heading straight to recycling.
Highlights
- The partnership is expected to deploy hundreds of megawatts of storage capacity across the grids serving Waymo’s operating cities.
- First deployments are focused on Texas and California, where Waymo already runs public service.
- California averages 6.1 hours daily of 100% clean power as of 2026, according to Waymo, with stored battery energy positioned to bridge peak renewable output and demand.
- Repurposed systems absorb surplus renewable energy during midday peaks and dispatch it back to the grid during periods of peak demand.
How the Repurposing Works
B2U uses patented technology to integrate retired EV batteries into grid-scale storage systems. According to the company, those systems act as a reservoir, absorbing surplus renewable energy during midday peaks and dispatching it back to the grid when demand is highest. Rather than going directly to recycling, the batteries are given a second use in stationary storage.
The program builds on Waymo’s existing maintenance practices, which the company says extend the lifespan and durability of its vehicles. By repurposing the packs, Waymo reports it can continue drawing economic and environmental value from batteries after they leave the fleet.
Why Texas and California First
Waymo notes that California is averaging 6.1 hours daily of 100% clean power as of 2026, while Texas continues to lead the nation in new solar capacity. Expanding battery storage is critical to sustaining that growth, the company says, because stored energy can bridge the gap between peak renewable production and the periods when communities need power most. Both states are current hubs for Waymo’s service, making them the starting point for the rollout.
What the Companies Say
“Our shared fleet of EVs provide a massive opportunity to support the growth of clean energy on the electricity grid while expanding the circular economy,” said Adam Lenz, Head of Sustainability & Environment at Waymo. “Through this partnership, we can repurpose our batteries for local grid storage and ensure our batteries continue to provide economic and environmental value to the community long after they’ve retired from the road.”
B2U CEO Freeman Hall framed the agreement as a step toward wider adoption of battery repurposing in the auto industry. “This agreement marks a significant milestone in B2U’s mission to provide integrated repurposing services to the automotive industry,” he said. “By extending the use of these batteries as grid storage, we are monetizing the full potential of EV batteries, now providing crucial stability to the power grid as energy demand continues to grow.”
A video filmed at B2U’s Lancaster, California facility shows the repurposing process, with remarks from both Hall and Lenz. In related coverage, Rivian and Redwood Materials deployed second-life EV battery storage at an Illinois plant earlier this year.
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