Electric vehicle batteries find second life powering rural businesses

A small tailoring cooperative in southern India uses refurbished EV batteries to overcome power cuts, showcasing a model for reducing clean energy waste.

Sibi Arasu reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

• Refurbished EV batteries provide stable electricity for tailors in rural India, allowing them to increase income and productivity.
• India faces a growing challenge of waste from solar panels, batteries and wind turbines, with experts urging a comprehensive recycling strategy.
• Companies like Nunam are developing circular solutions, aiming to reuse critical minerals and scale sustainable practices.

Key quote:

“The way EVs use these batteries is like asking it to run. Using it to power small machines and streetlights is like asking it to walk.”

— Prithvi Raj Narendra, engineer at Nunam

Why this matters:

As clean energy infrastructure expands, India must balance growth with sustainability by addressing waste. Recycling and repurposing components can reduce environmental harm, create jobs and lessen dependency on imported minerals, supporting a truly circular economy.