Repurposing a BMW i3 Battery for Stationary Storage
A BMW i3 battery that no longer suits a car can still store a lot of energy. Repurposing turns it into a stationary battery for solar systems, businesses and custom projects. This is often called "second life" use. This guide explains how it works and who it is for.
Who repurposing is for
- People who want to use recycled batteries for stationary applications. Used modules can serve a second life in an energy storage system.
- People who want to build their own custom battery. Modules can be combined to reach the capacity and voltage a project needs.
What a repurposed system needs
- A battery management system (BMS). This protects the cells and reports their state.
- Wiring and protection. Fuses, contactors and enclosures rated for the system voltage.
- Compatibility with your inverter. The BMS must talk to your inverter, usually over CAN bus.
- Correct installation. A licensed electrician should handle the final connection.
Our approach
We build BESS kits from BMW i3 battery modules. Each kit uses a professional-grade BMS, and systems scale in 84kWh increments. Our kits work with major inverter brands, including SMA, Victron, Sol-Ark and Schneider. Confirm compatibility with your inverter model before ordering.
Our three kit tiers suit different skill levels:
- DIY Essentials: core components, for experienced builders who source their own batteries.
- Complete Kit: batteries and guided setup included.
- Full Support: complete kit plus remote commissioning and custom design.
Certifications and warranty
- Certification: our stationary systems are CE certified.
- BMS: the battery management system is engineered in Germany in BMW R&D.
- Warranty: the warranty covers the parts. The batteries have their own manufacturer warranty.