Episode 86: Nick Nesbitt, Mapleview Energy

Can retired EV batteries help solve our energy crisis? In this episode of The Capitalist Hippie Podcast, host Marco Pimentel sits down with Nick Nesbitt, founder of Mapleview Energy, to explore how repurposing electric vehicle batteries could transform our energy infrastructure while creating a circular economy powerhouse.

While traditional energy storage requires new materials and extensive manufacturing, Mapleview is taking a radically different approach, harvesting the 70-80% capacity remaining in “retired” EV batteries and repackaging them into commercial-scale energy storage systems. The timing couldn’t be better: by 2030, we’ll see approximately 1000 gigawatt-hours of EV batteries retiring annually, with only about 2 gigawatt-hours of current repurposing capacity.

“Let’s start this business and try to build a company that focuses on repurposing electric vehicle batteries into stationary energy storage for commercial and industrial businesses.,” explains Nick, describing his moment of entrepreneurial commitment after years of research and industry experience.

The applications are vast—from mining operations to data centers to manufacturing facilities—all needing reliable backup power and peak shaving capabilities as electricity costs continue to rise. By housing reconfigured battery modules in shipping containers with sophisticated management systems, Mapleview creates scalable solutions that make economic and environmental sense.

Nick’s entrepreneurial journey reflects the reality of climate tech startups, moving from university research to accelerator programs, building prototypes with academic partners, securing grants, and navigating the rollercoaster of startup life. “My CTO quit on me… I unlocked two grants… and then I had one of the best energy offtake conversations at the end of the week,” he shares, capturing the volatility of building something new.

With energy storage markets projected to grow at 21.5% annually over the next decade, Mapleview isn’t just repurposing batteries, it’s building critical infrastructure for our electrified future while giving yesterday’s technology a valuable second life.