Originally Posted: Battery Technology
Client: Vesco Clean Energy

Closing the loop on post-use batteries from mobility and energy storage applications looms large on the minds of brand owners and sustainability stewards.

From those concerns has emerged Vesco Clean Energy LLC of Southfield, Michigan. Launched in March, Vesco Clean Energy LLC specializes in battery management services for companies in the US, as well as EV charging solutions across the Midwest.

More specifically, the sister company of oil-and-filter recycling pioneer Vesco Oil Corporation offers:

• Battery lifecycle management

• Battery sorting and collecting

• Battery recycling

• Battery storage and logistics

• EV charging solutions and repairs

• Training and on-site battery handling services

“The launch of Vesco Clean Energy LLC represents the next step in Vesco Oil Corporation’s long-standing dedication to sustainability,” said President and CEO Lilly Epstein Stotland. “With the rapid growth of battery technology and electrification, we see a critical need for responsible battery logistics, recycling, and the development of an efficient charging infrastructure. We have assembled a great team that’s committed to meeting customer energy needs as they evolve while maintaining the highest environmental standards.”

Mission and methods

Vesco Clean Energy continues the tradition of Vesco Oil Corporation, which has been in the oil business for 77 years and has provided cost-effective, safe and easy solutions for customers’ oil and filter recycling needs since the 1990s.

The company was launched “to meet the growing demand in the market to address the many challenges facing businesses, governments and households when it comes to properly recycling their batteries,” explained Jeff Batalucco, Business Development and Program Manager at Vesco Clean Energy. “Our goal is to meet the growing demand for battery management services on a national scale and to strategically partner with stakeholders to ensure a robust and circular supply chain.”

To that end, Vesco Clean Energy has created a repertoire of safe, cost-effective, traceable and easy solutions to the wide array of challenges in the end-of-life battery supply chain.

For instance, the company will sort batteries by chemistry type for downstream recycling. The company also offers temperature-controlled storage for new and end-of-life batteries.

And, organizations can receive customized training on the ins and outs of battery handling – including on-site assistance with removal and cleanup. In terms of regulatory compliance, Vesco Clean Energy helps customers navigate the complex maze of rules around packaging and end-of-life batteries.

“Customers should not be expected to know the regulations and recycling methods for the hundreds of different battery chemistries – and that is where our knowledge and expertise comes in,” Batalucco asserted. "These are challenges that every organization and individual is presented with when they choose to properly recycle their batteries. Vesco Clean Energy LLC can streamline this process."  

The company’s training on battery handling, identification and labeling/packaging focus heavily on lithium chemistries. Sessions are tailored not only to regulatory updates but changes in Vesco’s processes.

“Since most training sessions are performed in-house, cost is at a minimum,” Batalucco said. “With in-house experience comes the ability to adjust and train employees depending on the handled chemistry. Certain chemistries require heavier focus on containment and protection while in storage or in transit.

“With a combination of battery knowledge from key staff, we compile 30 years of experience into a finely detailed training program.”

Turnkey EV charging stations

Another core business line is Vesco Clean Energy’s turnkey business solution for installing EV charging stations for clients across all sectors.  

The company manages the entire process from start to finish, ensuring customers have everything required to start charging electric vehicles seamlessly and efficiently. Vesco partners with EV Connect, a Schneider Electric Company network, to deliver this service.  

Joshua Duffany, EV Charger Program Manager at Vesco Clean Energy, said the numbers of Vesco charging stations “will vary based on market demands, but we’re prepared to meet those challenges — whether it involves installing new chargers or upgrading and improving existing chargers. Our repair and maintenance capabilities can help maximize uptime on current chargers in the market.”

Facilities and partners

Vesco Clean Energy maintains two Michigan facilities to accommodate all its functions.

In Saginaw, the company’s 5,000-square-foot, temperature-controlled storage facility is located right off I-75 about an hour from Canada. This location is fully staffed and can provide custom storage solutions for customers.

A new 20,000-square-foot facility in Grand Rapids focuses on sorting and product fulfillment.

“Grand Rapids will be sorting 5.8 million pounds of batteries per year at full capacity. As need grows, there is potential for expansion at both locations.”

Vesco Clean Energy also partners with key stakeholders throughout the battery supply chain.

“The industry is constantly changing – and strategic partnerships with OEMs, logistics companies and a variety of government entities are all vital to maintaining and growing the circular economy,” Batalucco said. More partnerships that will advance the rollout of the company’s EV services are on the horizon,” he added.

“There is an increasing demand for battery-powered technology in our daily lives and throughout every industry, so responsible end-of-life battery management is more crucial than ever,” he concluded.  

Read the full article here.