The increasing penetration of renewables in the power system mitigates CO₂ emissions but causes a loss of inertia that exposes the grid to abrupt frequency excursions. Electric vehicle batteries, once they reach 70–80% of their capacity, retain sufficient energy for a second life in stationary applications, where they can provide virtual inertia if connected via grid-forming inverters. This paper reviews the evolution of the generation mix and the associated inertia challenges, explores storage technologies and pilot projects using both new and second-life batteries, proposes a hybrid renewable + second-life BESS model with grid-forming capabilities, and assesses its ethical implications.