Honda and Mitsubishi Corp. to reuse EV batteries in electric grid

Honda and Mitsubishi Establish Joint Venture to Give Second Life to Used Electric Vehicle Batteries

TOKYO — Honda Motor and Mitsubishi Corp. have announced their plans to establish a new company in July, named Altna, that will focus on giving a second life to used electric vehicle (EV) batteries in Japan. This initiative aims to reduce the cost of driving an EV and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Introduction

The joint venture between Honda and Mitsubishi, Altna, is driven by the anticipation of the broader use of EVs in the future. By repurposing used EV batteries, Altna aims to develop new services that will support the sustainable development of the transportation sector.

Company Details

Altna will have a total capital and capital reserves of 2 billion yen ($12 million), with Honda and Mitsubishi each holding a 50% stake in the new company. This partnership highlights the commitment of both companies towards achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Benefits and Impact

The establishment of Altna will have several positive impacts on the EV market and the environment:

1. Cost Reduction: By giving a second life to used EV batteries, Altna will help reduce the overall cost of driving an EV, making it more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
2. Sustainable Resource Management: Repurposing used batteries will contribute to the efficient use of resources and minimize waste, aligning with Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
3. Environmental Protection: Extending the lifespan of EV batteries will reduce the need for new battery production, resulting in lower carbon emissions and less environmental impact.
4. Technological Advancements: Altna’s focus on developing new services related to EV batteries will drive innovation in the EV industry, promoting sustainable transportation solutions.

Conclusion

The establishment of Altna by Honda and Mitsubishi represents a significant step towards achieving the SDGs and promoting sustainable development in the transportation sector. By giving a second life to used EV batteries, Altna will contribute to cost reduction, resource management, environmental protection, and technological advancements. This joint venture exemplifies the commitment of both companies towards creating a more sustainable future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main SDGs addressed are SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The article discusses the establishment of a new company, Altna, which aims to give a second life to used electric vehicle batteries. By repurposing these batteries, the cost of driving an electric vehicle (EV) can be reduced, making EVs more affordable. This aligns with SDG 7’s goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The joint venture between Honda Motor and Mitsubishi Corp. aims to develop new services in anticipation of the broader use of EVs. This demonstrates a focus on innovation and the development of sustainable technologies and industrial processes. It aligns with SDG 9’s target of upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The establishment of Altna and the repurposing of used electric vehicle batteries contribute to responsible consumption and production. By giving a second life to these batteries, the joint venture promotes the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, which is a target under SDG 12.

Based on the article’s content, specific targets under the identified SDGs can be identified:

• Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to the identified targets. However, based on the content, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP
• Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added
• Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: asia.nikkei.com