Stellantis' Used Batteries Are Rejuvenated in a VW Group-Designed Electric Vehicle | Carscoops

      Repurposed Stellantis EV batteries embark on a new journey powering an Italdesign-designed mobility vehicle

       9 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Thanos Pappas

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Stellantis provides second-life EV batteries for the Avathor One.

      This electric vehicle was designed by Italdesign, a member of the VW Group.

      The reconfigured modules allow for a range of 50 km (31 mph) between charges.

      

      The auto industry is increasingly focusing on finding new roles for used car batteries, and Stellantis has discovered a particularly user-oriented application. Instead of allowing end-of-life EV packs to remain unused, the company is reimagining them for mobility solutions beyond conventional vehicles.

      

      

      More: Stellantis Is Quietly Developing A Tri-Motor EV Setup That Can Self-Power

      One of the most fascinating examples arises from a partnership with startup Avathor, which has created a compact EV designed specifically for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. Adding an extra layer of interest is the fact that the vehicle was designed by Italdesign, a member of the Volkswagen Group.

      This unique collaboration between Stellantis and the VW Group likely originates from both Avathor and Italdesign being located in Turin, which is also a significant center for Stellantis, housing the Mirafiori facilities and the company’s main European headquarters.

      

      

      

      

      From Road To Renewal

      The process starts with Stellantis brands collecting batteries from retired EVs. These packs are sent to Turin, where SUSTAINera, Stellantis’ branch focused on the circular economy, works to maximize their utility and minimize waste. A local partner, Intent S.r.l., then breaks down the 15 kWh modules and repackages them for new applications.

      For the Avathor One, the modules are redeveloped into 1.4 kWh short-range or 2.8 kWh long-range batteries, providing up to 50 km (31 mph) between charges, with a maximum speed limited to 10 km/h (6 mph).

      

      

      

      Avathor / Italdesign

      What Is The Avathor One?

      

      

      The Avathor One was introduced earlier this year as the production model based on the innovative 2019 WheeM-i concept created by Italdesign. It features a rear ramp for wheelchair access, a pull-out bench, and joystick controls.

      Measuring just 1,486 mm (58.5 inches) long, this EV incorporates car-like elements such as LED headlights, a rearview camera, and collision-avoidance sensors that detect both obstacles and pedestrians. It can manage inclines of up to 20 percent and navigate steps up to 8 cm (3 inches) high.

      According to the company, the aim is to launch the Avathor in Italy later this year, followed by Spain in 2026 and additional markets in 2027.

      Beyond Mobility Aids

      

      

      In addition to the Avathor initiative, Stellantis SUSTAINera is also collaborating with utility companies and battery integrators. A notable example is the ENEL X Pioneer system, which stores renewable energy at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 16,000 tons over a decade.

      Certainly, Stellantis is not the only automaker engaged in the circular economy with second-life batteries. Other companies such as Nissan, Renault, BMW, Kia, Geely, Jaguar, Toyota, Honda, Skoda, and Audi are also involved in similar initiatives.