BMW is about to launch its first electric car, the i3. Like every new car or product, there are questions about its end of life. A question particularly acute for EVs which have a large lithium ion battery. Some people regularly worry about it, and the pollution that may bring, but BMW has moved quickly to avoid anyone worrying about that subject. It’s introducing the Second Life Batteries program.

The car manufacturer should reach an agreement with Vattenfall, the energy company, which will be very happy to find additional means of electricity storage. The common estimate is that after ten years, a modern lithium ion battery should retain about 80% of its initial capacity. A driver would be upset, but as a back-up, it will be fine, and satisfying for several more years of use. It’s another proof that there should be no worry about the fate of old EV batteries. Besides BMW, every car manufacturer which sells electric cars has started a program to take care of batteries when they’re old.