Used electric vehicle (EV) batteries are finding a new life in powering artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. General Motors has partnered with Redwood Materials to transform EV batteries into large-scale battery backup systems, known as microgrids, which provide steady and renewable energy to AI servers. This innovative approach is being used by Crusoe, a growing AI cloud platform, in its data centers located in the Nevada desert.
The repurposed EV batteries offer a clean energy solution for AI data centers, reducing reliance on dirty power sources and providing steady power to AI servers, ensuring uninterrupted operation. This sustainable solution gives old EV batteries a second life, reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable energy future.
As the demand for AI services continues to grow, so does the energy required to power the data centers that support them. A 2024 Department of Energy study found that U.S. data centers could consume up to 12% of the country's electricity by 2028, triple today's share. Repurposing EV batteries can help meet this increasing energy demand while reducing the environmental impact.
The partnership between General Motors and Redwood Materials is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable energy ecosystem. By transforming used EV batteries into energy storage systems, they are not only reducing waste but also providing a reliable source of clean energy for AI data centers. Crusoe's use of repurposed EV batteries to power its AI cloud platform is a testament to the potential of this innovative approach.
