Research on the Classification Method for the Secondary Uses of Retired Lithium-ion Traction Batteries☆

Abstract A method to classify the retired traction batteries from the electric vehicles according to the characteristic analysis is proposed to meet the requirements by the particular applications, so that the retired batteries can be more effectively utilized. Firstly, the preliminary screening by the appearances and basic performance tests are carried out to ensure the batteries are suitable for the secondary use. Secondly, the maximum capacity and equivalent resistance spectrum are selected as the indicators for battery sorting, basing on the characteristic analysis of the retired batteries. Finally, the concept of “effective capacity” is employed and a fast estimation method is proposed, so that the batteries can be effectively classified to meet the given requirements. An example is presented to outline the process implementing. The proposed method is fast, convenient and efficient, providing a low cost solution for the retired battery sorting.