EV battery replacement expert Infinitev and global automobile brand Kia Australia is set to transform the electric vehicle (EV) landscape through the introduction of their new battery reuse, repurpose, and recycling solutions.
In recognition of the rapid growth of the EV industry and the great potential in eco-friendly battery solutions, Infinitev and Kia Australia have collaborated to address the critical challenges associated with the entire lifecycle of EV batteries.
This partnership aims to leverage Infinitev’s 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, these two companies will set new standards and reshape the future of sustainable EVs.
Infinitev General Manager Dickson Leow stated: “We are proud to have a holistic solution that addresses the environmental concerns associated with electric vehicle batteries. Our innovation 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,” said Leow.
Through research and development, 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 stating 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:
- A grade modules are reused to build batteries for EV traction
- B grade modules are repurposed for battery energy storage systems
- C grade modules are recycled by Infinitev’s partners to recover valuable materials
Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith said that the company is in the 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,” said Meredith.
The company’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 providing sustainable mobility solutions began 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.
