FYI: Tesla batteries salvaged from damaged vehicles are providing critical power solutions to homes and businesses in Ukraine amidst ongoing attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure.
Tesla Batteries Help Ukrainians Endure Energy Crisis Amid Russian Attacks
Tesla batteries are emerging as a lifeline for Ukrainians as Russia’s continuous assaults on the nation’s energy infrastructure plunge many into darkness. Oleksandr Bentsa, owner of Ukrainian Autonomous Systems, has spearheaded an initiative to repurpose batteries from damaged Tesla vehicles to keep the lights on for Ukrainian homes and businesses.
Innovative Solution to Energy Shortage
When Russian attacks on energy infrastructure created widespread power outages in Ukraine, Bentsa identified a novel solution—recycling batteries from wrecked Tesla cars. Typically, these vehicles are bought from insurance auctions in the United States and imported into Ukraine for restoration and resale. However, Bentsa pivoted to a more urgent need: dismantling these vehicles for their batteries to provide an alternative power source.
Addressing Rolling Blackouts
The energy crisis in Ukraine has resulted in enforced nationwide blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day. Bentsa’s initiative has been a beacon of hope, offering a way to power essential services during these blackouts. "An old Tesla, including delivery, costs nearly $10,000. You can extract 12 batteries from one car and also sell the parts," Bentsa explained to the Financial Times.
Battery Capacity and Usage
Each salvaged battery has a capacity of 5kWh, which is sufficient to power a typical Kyiv apartment for about 10 hours, albeit with some limitations. While these batteries can keep lights and moderate electric equipment running, they aren’t powerful enough to sustain high-energy-draw appliances like electric heaters.
Meeting Growing Demand
The demand for these repurposed Tesla batteries has surged, particularly from civilian customers and the Ukrainian army, the latter of which receives the batteries at a loss to Bentsa. As winter approaches, Bentsa anticipates even higher demand for these critical energy sources.
Conclusion
Bentsa’s innovative approach not only provides a temporary solution to Ukraine’s energy woes but also showcases the adaptability and potential of electric vehicle technology in crisis situations. The use of Tesla batteries to counteract the effects of energy infrastructure damages highlights the creative strategies emerging in response to the ongoing conflict.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
