Scientists are expecting big breakthroughs in battery technology over the next five years that will increase the range of electric cars while reducing their cost. But, researchers acknowledge, any rechargeable battery will gradually lose its capacity to store energy after repeated cycles of charging and discharging.

That's why a number of projects and new ventures (by Nissan and GM) are already under way to explore second-life applications for lithium-ion batteries, including one at U.S. National Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado.

(READ the full story at the New York Times Green Blog)