Rivian Partners with Redwood Materials to Deploy Energy Storage System

Rivian Automotive Inc. is partnering with energy technology company Redwood Materials to power its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois with second-life Rivian battery packs. 

Redwood Materials, founded in 2017, will start by providing 10 megawatt-hours (MWh) of dispatchable energy during peak demand periods at the factory using more than 100 EV battery packs. The plan is to reduce costs and grid loads (Nasdaq: RIVN). 

“As energy needs grow, our grid needs to be flexible, secure, and affordable,” Founder and Chief Executive RJ Scaringe said in a statement. “Our partnership with Redwood enables us to utilize our vehicle’s batteries beyond the life of a vehicle and contribute to grid health and American competitiveness.” 

Rivian will deliver recycled battery packs from decommissioned electric vehicles to Redwood to integrate into the stored energy system on-site this year.  

“Our partnership with Rivian shows how EV battery packs can be turned into dispatchable energy resources, bringing new capacity online quickly, supporting critical manufacturing, and reducing strain on the grid without waiting years for new infrastructure,” Redwood Founder and CEO JB Straubel added.