Waymo has partnered with B2U Storage Solutions to convert retired electric vehicle batteries from its autonomous robotaxi fleet into energy storage systems to support the electricity grid. Announced on June 4, 2026, this agreement will give the batteries of its growing robotaxi fleet a second life.
Waymo uses its fleet of Jaguar I-Pace and Zeekr-developed Ojai models much more intensively throughout the day than standard electric vehicles. This high mileage leads to rapid battery degradation. However, an analysis of over 22.700 electric vehicles in 2025 shows that the average annual battery capacity loss is only 2,3 percent; even after eight years, 81 percent of the batteries' original capacity is retained. Waymo performs proactive maintenance during operation, replacing batteries and choosing to reuse those that still retain their power rather than sending them for recycling.
Energy Storage Supporting Grids
B2U Storage Solutions, according to its owner Freeman Hall, specializes in extracting the full residual value from post-operation electric vehicle batteries. The agreement reportedly creates hundreds of megawatts of energy storage capacity, but no further details were given regarding the exact size or implementation timeline. Waymo's Jaguar I-Pace models use 90 kWh batteries, while the Zeekr Ojai uses 93 kWh batteries. Even after considering degradation, the remaining capacity offers significant potential for energy storage.
Energy storage facilities will operate by drawing and storing energy during periods of high renewable energy production and low electricity demand, and then returning it to the grid during periods of increased demand. The project will focus on California and Texas, where investments in solar and wind energy are increasing. B2U will subject the batteries it receives from Waymo to detailed performance tests and integrate those deemed suitable into the storage cabinets.
Battery reuse companies like B2U Storage Solutions are focusing on maximizing the value of EV batteries with this model, rather than entirely recycling them. Alphabet, Waymo's main shareholder, has also partially invested in Redwood Materials, founded by former Tesla Chief Technology Officer JB Straubel and operating in the second-life storage business. The deal is still in its early stages, with B2U initially purchasing small quantities of batteries from Waymo; larger-scale reciprocal transfers are expected in the future.
