Thinking about starting a marketplace for used/surplus batteries from ARA yards. Any thoughts?

[EVBatteryExchange]

I just joined the community today. I've been studying battery technology on my own for the past two years following everything from standard lithium-ion upcycling to the development of Solid-State Batteries (SSBs) and I'm really interested in custom builds and energy storage projects.

Because of that, I’m working on a website layout to act as a marketplace for all kinds of used and surplus batteries. The main idea is to connect builders directly with licensed salvage yards from the ARA (Automotive Recyclers Association) organization. I want it to be a spot where yards can list anything from standard EV modules (Tesla, Nissan Leaf, etc.) to niche hybrid packs, or rare industrial and military surplus cells if they have access to them.

To make it safe for buyers, I want to require the yards to upload actual health data, photos, and voltage readings, and use a secure escrow checkout through Stripe so the yard doesn't get paid until they actually upload a valid freight tracking number.

I’m still in the early stages of setting up the website layout, and I don't have any inventory yet. Before I start reaching out to different salvage yards to see if they'll list their stuff, I wanted to jump on here and get some honest feedback from people who actually do these builds.

Do you guys think a platform like this would be helpful? If you were looking to buy from a spot like this, what features or battery metrics would you want to see to make it worth using?

Appreciate any thoughts or advice you guys want to throw my way to help out!

 

[PedalPedal]

It might be useful for hobbyists.
Beyond that, professionals are going to need more protection, at least I would. But then I know nothing about the ARA's method of vetting their members.

 

[EVBatteryExchange]

That's a really good point. For pros and shops, the trust factor has to be bulletproof.
The main reason I'm focusing strictly on the ARA (Automotive Recyclers Association) framework instead of open sign-ups is because of their vetting. To be an ARA direct member, a yard has to prove they are a legally licensed commercial entity, pass environmental compliance checks, and follow strict guidelines on how they inventory and grade parts. It cuts out the random uncertified people trying to get quick cash grab.
My plan for extra protection is to require the yards to submit actual OBD2 scan screenshots of the battery's SOH (State of Health) and a quick video multimeter readout before a listing can go live. What else do you think a professional shop would need to see on the invoice or listing to feel 100% safe buying?

 

[marty]

https://www.car-part.com/

 

[neptronix]

I like the idea, but don't know enough about the car world.

Some of your questions are best answered by a talk the salvage yards. Find one that has batteries already ( from online listings? ) and start askin' questions.

This forum isn't particularly strong on EV car conversions/repairs. Mostly we like 2 wheeled things. Hopefully you get some feedback from prospective buyers.

 

[lnanek]

I browse Genuine Lithium Batteries for DIY Projects , EV & Hybrid Battery Replacement | Mobile Install | GreenTec Auto , and a couple others regularly in case there's ever a good EV cell to repurpose to ebike use. Sometimes they've even had parts from decommissioned commercial pedicab, ebike, and scooter rental fleets.

I probably wouldn't bother browsing yet another one unless there was a clear advantage. More selection, better shipping, etc.. I think the two I've bought from so far were located in Georgia and Chicago, for example, but I'm Silicon Valley. So shipping is ridiculous.

I consider even driving/Caltrain to SF a pain, but did it once for a very expensive Park Tool a silicon valley dispositions bankruptcy auction site had mislabeled and marked down a thousand (priced the actual thing like an accessory that was mounted to it) and have been tempted by the endless 3D printer auctions.

 

[99t4]

Would be a great service!

My plan for extra protection is to require the yards to submit actual OBD2 scan screenshots of the battery's SOH (State of Health) and a quick video multimeter readout before a listing can go live. What else do you think a professional shop would need to see on the invoice or listing to feel 100% safe buying?

Are those simple tests enough to verify a healthy battery with lots of life still in it? Seems like it would need more stress testing, which could get complex very fast, different procedures and testing equipment for the various manufacturers and models.