RePurpose Energy is a clean-tech startup that’s tackling a growing problem: what to do with the massive wave of used electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Founded in 2018 out of research at the University of California, Davis, the company aims to give these batteries a “second life” by turning them into energy-storage systems for buildings, businesses, and even the power grid.
RePurpose sits at the intersection of two major trends — electric vehicles and renewable energy. As EV adoption rises, so does the number of batteries reaching the end of their useful life in cars. But perhaps surprisingly, these batteries often retain around 70% of their capacity, making them perfectly usable for stationary energy storage.
That’s where RePurpose comes in. Its core product is a “second-life” battery system built from retired EV batteries. Using proprietary technology, including machine learning, RePurpose rapidly tests used batteries, determines their remaining health, and reassembles them into reliable storage units. These systems can then store electricity — often from solar panels — and release it when needed, such as during peak demand or power outages.
RePurpose generates revenue by selling its battery-storage systems to commercial, industrial, and utility-scale customers. It also offers battery testing and related services, which help partners evaluate and reuse their own battery supply. In some cases, the company is also involved in broader energy projects, like microgrids that combine solar power with second-life batteries.
Energy storage is a critical piece of the renewable-energy puzzle, especially as solar and wind power become more widespread. At the same time, the U.S. alone is expected to generate over 150,000 tons of retired EV batteries by the end of the decade. RePurpose is positioning itself as a key player in building a “circular economy” around these batteries — extending their lifespan while reducing waste and the need for new raw materials.
RePurpose delivered its first commercial-scale system to Nissan North America in 2024. It has ongoing partnerships and pilot deployments, including systems supporting solar installations and critical infrastructure. It has also secured more than $9.9 million in non-dilutive grant funding from sources like the U.S. Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission.
One particularly important milestone: RePurpose Energy became the first U.S.-based company to achieve UL 1974 certification for repurposing EV batteries — a key safety and quality benchmark that could help accelerate adoption.
Overall, RePurpose is building infrastructure for a future where batteries don’t just get recycled, they get reused, unlocking more value from every EV produced.