New research from Chonnam National University (CNU) reveals that building consumer trust through transparent safety inspections is essential to unlocking the $4 billion market for repurposed and retired EV batteries in second-life energy storage systems
The findings, published in the Journal of Energy Storage, provide a strategic roadmap for unlocking a sector projected to reach a value of approximately $4.2 billion by 2035.
As global EV adoption continues to rise, the management of retired batteries has become a critical environmental and economic priority. Most EV batteries are replaced when their capacity drops to 80% of their original level, typically after eight to ten years of use. While these batteries are no longer ideal for high-performance transport, they retain significant energy storage potential for stationary applications, such as grid stabilisation and renewable energy storage.
Understanding the trust gap: Placing trust in retired EV batteries
Despite the clear economic and environmental benefits of reusing batteries, public acceptance has remained a significant hurdle. The research team, led by Dr. Hwarang Lee of the Korea Energy Economics Institute and Assistant Professor Jongdae Kim of CNU, explored the nuances of why consumers often support battery reuse in theory but resist it in practice.
The study utilised a structural equation model to analyse consumer survey data, focusing on factors like trust in companies, environmental identity, and perceived risk. A major contribution of the work is the distinction between general and local acceptance. The researchers found that while the public generally supports the circular battery economy at a societal level, local resistance—often referred to as Not In My BackYard dynamics—frequently stalls actual installations near residential areas.
Strategies for market growth in the EV space
To bridge this gap, the researchers emphasise that firms must move beyond general marketing and focus on high-transparency safety protocols. Dr. Jongdae Kim noted that implementing institute certification programs and showing rigorous, transparent safety inspections can significantly bolster public confidence.
The research suggests that companies should tailor their messaging based on the proximity of the project to the community. For local installations, the focus must be on safety verification and low explosion risk. Equally, for remote or societal-scale projects, messaging can highlight environmental benefits and reduced electricity costs.
Shaping future policy for EV batteries
The implications of this research extend to policymakers designing frameworks for sustainable energy infrastructure. By standardising safety processes and building a foundation of trust, the industry can reduce social resistance and accelerate the integration of renewable energy.
Over the long term, increasing the acceptance of second-life batteries is expected to lower energy costs and expand the deployment of resilient energy storage systems. This shift could transform retired EV batteries from a waste-management challenge into a cornerstone of the global clean-energy transition.
