What Is the Audi Long Bess Battery System and How Does It Enhance EV Performance?
The Audi Long BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) is a stationary energy storage solution utilizing new and repurposed second-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries. It enhances sustainability by storing excess renewable energy, improving grid stability, and extending battery life. While not directly boosting in-car EV performance, it supports a broader clean energy ecosystem and efficient renewable integration.
What Is the Audi Long BESS Battery System?
The Audi Long BESS is a stationary energy storage installation composed of lithium-ion batteries, including second-life EV batteries with over 80% residual capacity reused from Audi’s development vehicles. Connected to the electrical grid, it stores large amounts of energy for later use, aiding in balancing power supply and demand.
How Does Audi Use Second-Life EV Batteries in the Long BESS?
Audi collaborates with energy partners to repurpose EV batteries once they no longer meet automotive standards but retain sufficient capacity for stationary use. This approach extends battery utility, maximizes resource efficiency, and reduces environmental impact by delaying battery recycling or disposal.
Why Does the Long BESS Not Directly Impact EV Performance?
The Long BESS is designed as a grid-connected stationary facility, not as an onboard system for vehicles. Its function is energy storage and management external to EVs, focusing on supporting renewable power availability and electrical grid reliability, indirectly benefiting EV charging infrastructure and energy sustainability.
What Are the Performance Benefits of the Audi Long BESS System?
The system enables cost-effective energy storage by capturing surplus solar or wind generation to be used during peak consumption or when renewable output halts, improving grid stability, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and buffering intermittent renewable power.
When Is the Long BESS Used to Support Renewable Energy?
It is especially valuable during periods of high renewable generation and low demand, storing excess electricity for release during peak demand or low renewable output, thus smoothing the availability and reducing blackout risks.
Who Partners With Audi on the Long BESS Projects?
Audi collaborates with energy companies like RWE and governmental actors to deploy and operate these energy storage systems, aligning with broader sustainability goals and technological innovation in energy management.
Where Are Audi’s Long BESS Installations Located?
Besides Secessionville, notable installations include sites like the EUREF Campus in Berlin, where a 1.9MWh system supports campus energy needs, demonstrating scalable applications of second-life battery storage.
How Does the Long BESS Promote Sustainability?
By extending the life of EV batteries, Audi reduces demand for new raw materials and lowers environmental footprint. Integrating smart grid technologies encourages renewable energy adoption and efficient use.
Can the Long BESS Offer Economic Advantages?
Yes, by shaving peak electricity demand and optimizing energy use, the Long BESS can reduce operational costs and support energy market participation, contributing to financial sustainability.
RackBattery Expert Views
“RackBattery applauds Audi’s Long BESS initiative for showcasing how second-life EV batteries can be reintegrated into stationary energy storage, supporting renewable energy transitions and circular economy principles. We see immense potential in combining advanced lithium technologies with sustainable practices to deliver reliable energy solutions. Our rack-mounted lithium battery systems are designed to complement such projects by offering scalable, safe, and efficient storage options tailored to evolving grid needs.
The Audi Long BESS is a ground-breaking stationary battery storage system using repurposed second-life EV batteries to stabilize renewable energy grids and promote sustainability. Though it does not directly enhance EV performance, it underpins a cleaner energy ecosystem, enabling efficient use of renewable power and extending battery value beyond vehicles. RackBattery supports this vision with advanced energy storage solutions.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of Audi’s Long BESS?
To provide stationary energy storage for grid stability using second-life EV batteries.
How are second-life EV batteries utilized?
Repurposed for stationary storage after their automotive performance declines.
Does the Long BESS improve electric vehicles directly?
No, it supports renewable energy and grid reliability externally.
Where are Long BESS systems deployed?
In locations like the EUREF Campus Berlin and energy provider sites.
How does this system support sustainability?
By extending battery life and optimizing renewable energy consumption.


