Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, has taken a bold step toward revolutionizing its EV charging infrastructure. In early June 2025, the city unveiled India’s first solar-powered EV charging station integrated with second-life batteries – reused from retired electric vehicles – ushering in a new era of sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective green mobility.
What’s Happening?
Located near Kempegowda International Airport, the pilot project – dubbed RE2EV (“Renewable Energy to Electric Vehicle”) – is part of the SUM-ACA Green Urban Mobility initiative, backed by GIZ India, BESCOM, and DULT. It features:
- A 45 kWp rooftop solar PV system that powers the station during the day.
- A 100 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) made from second-life EV batteries, enabling 24/7 charging capability while reducing strain on the electric grid.
- 23 charging points, including 18 fast-charging stations and 5 slower ones, catering to a variety of EV users.
This innovative setup is not just about clean power – it also demonstrates the potential of the circular economy. While these reused lithium-ion cells no longer meet vehicle-grade thresholds, they can still store and discharge energy efficiently, extending their useful lifespan by several years.
Reliable and Accessible Charging Infrastructure
Bengaluru is experiencing a rapid surge in EV adoption. With thousands of electric cabs shuttling between the city and the airport, ensuring reliable and accessible charging infrastructure is vital. By integrating solar and second-life batteries, Bangalore will be:
- Offering reliable 24/7 charging even when solar power is unavailable.
- Helps ease pressure on the grid during the day and prevents overloads during peak hours.
- Lowering operational costs, as second-life batteries are far cheaper than brand-new ones.
- Bringing green energy together by combining solar power and reused battery storage in one smart, seamless system.
This novel approach goes beyond incremental improvements – it’s a paradigm shift. By prioritizing sustainability, resilience, and affordability in one package, Bengaluru is pioneering a model that other cities could easily replicate.
Breaking the Second-Life Dogma
Second-life applications for EV batteries have long faced suspicion. Critics labeled them “waste” once their initial battery capacity fell below 80%. But the Bengaluru pilot project is proving otherwise:
Second-life applications for EV batteries have long faced
- These batteries maintain significant energy capacity even after retirement from EVs
- By storing excess solar energy and deploying it after sunset or during peak grid demand, the Bengaluru station highlights both the durability and real-world viability of second-life batteries.
This counters the misconception that second-life batteries are second-class. Instead, they’re an essential resource in a circular green ecosystem – one that is cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally sound.
A Blueprint for OEMs and Stakeholders
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) stand to gain significantly from embracing second-life battery applications:
- By extending battery life, companies enhance their environmental performance—supporting ESG objectives and meeting regulatory expectations
- New Revenue Opportunities: OEMs can generate income even after a vehicle’s lifecycle by offering services like battery-as-a-service or storage-as-a-service.
By embracing second-life batteries, OEMs can showcase leadership in sustainable innovation while unlocking new business models.
Mobec’s Clean Energy Deployment
Mobec is redefining the lifecycle of EV batteries. Instead of letting retired battery packs go to waste, Mobec gives them a second life. Through advanced testing, reconditioning, and quality assurance, Mobec transforms used batteries into safe, efficient, and reliable energy storage systems.
From performance checks to meeting rigorous safety and lifespan standards, every battery goes through a meticulous process. The result? Second-life battery solutions that are ready to be deployed in real-world applications – like powering EV charging stations across Bengaluru.
By turning battery waste into a valuable energy resource, Mobec not only simplifies clean energy deployment but also drives forward India’s circular economy vision.
The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters
Bengaluru’s RE2EV pilot isn’t just a one-off. It signals a scalable, sustainable shift in EV infrastructure strategy across India:
- EVs can be powered by renewable energy, ensuring true green mobility.
- Soon, multiple such solar-battery charging stations could alleviate grid pressure, reduce carbon footprints, and boost charging reliability.
- OEMs and policymakers can integrate second-life batteries into national energy plans – furthering battery recycling and reducing e-waste.
In sum, Bengaluru is not merely installing a solar-powered station – it’s rewriting the rules of EV ecosystem design. Charging infrastructure is no longer just about power points – it’s about renewable energy, battery sustainability, circular end-of-life pathways, and smart-city resilience.
What’s Next?
This pilot project sets the stage for expansion:
- Scaling adoption across highways and even rural areas.
- Policy support for second-life battery infrastructure – through incentives, standards, and subsidies.
- OEM engagement – encouraging manufacturers to invest in used battery management programs.
With Bengaluru leading the way, this could very well be the blueprint for India’s green mobility transformation- and a model for aspiring global leaders.
In Summary: How Mobec is Powering a Greener Future
The new EV charging hub near Bengaluru airport is more than just a place to plug in – it’s a sign of where India’s clean mobility journey is headed.
- It proves that old EV batteries still have value and can be safely reused in energy storage.
- It encourages manufacturers to think beyond just selling new batteries and start embracing smarter, circular solutions.
- And above all, it highlights Mobec’s pivotal role – taking batteries once considered waste and transforming them into powerful clean energy assets.
This project is a great example of how we can be smarter and more sustainable with our energy. Mobec’s work is not just about reuse – it’s about reshaping the way we store and deliver energy. In a world racing toward electrification, this step is not just important – it’s essential.
