Spanish energy company and service station operator Repsol has opened its first electric vehicle charging points using energy storage from second life electric bus batteries.
The previously used bus batteries and the associated power electronics produced and installed by Irizar have been integrated by charging point developer Ibil into a 50 kW electric vehicle charging point at the Repsol service station at Tolosa in Gipuzkoa, northern Spain.
According to Irizar e-mobility and Ibil, the technological and industrial development simplifies and facilitates the installation of 50 kW charging points in locations that do not have enough electrical power or where the cost of investment in the grid makes installations unviable.
The power of the grid needed to provide services is reduced by 70%, meaning a 50kW quick charging point can be installed where the grid connection is just 15kW.
The approach also provides a second life to electric bus batteries and promotes sustainability and the circular economy, supporting Irizar e-mobility’s commitment to shift to a business model based on making the best use of resources and reducing the use of raw materials.
