Not only a second life, but a second purpose for batteries

The electric mobility paradigm is based on lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which will generate a waste management problem of 9 million tons per year by 2040.

However, most lithium-ion batteries that become unusable for mobility would still be suitable for a second life for another 10 years. In this context, battery performance assessment is critical to predicting how long and how well decommissioned batteries will perform and whether they can be used in second-life applications cost-effectively.

Objectives and ambitions

The overall goal of REBELION is to develop cutting-edge technologies to promote a circular model for LIBs for electric mobility, enabling feasible industrial practices in the coming years to maximize second-life and recycling applications. Additionally, a novel labelling system supported with blockchain, digital battery passport and ecolabel technology will provide key information to dismantlers, recyclers, re-manufacturers and users.

This will require achieving the following specific technical objectives:

1. Electric Noise Analysis Technology validation for Li-Ion batteries
2. Automated testing and dismantling system for different battery formats
3. A safety protocol for every step of the value chain
4. Development of standardized battery labelling system
5. Validation of the overall performance of the two proposed circular models
6. A roadmap to the market for individual and joint exploitation of the results
7. Development of a safe container for storage and transportation

REBELION will promote two different circular schemes for the reuse of electric vehicle and light electric vehicle LIBs in Electrical Energy Storage (EES) utility and domestic applications respectively, and later recycling.

• The 1st circular chain designed for used EV batteries
• The 2nd circular chain emerging from REBELION will accommodate a sustainable pathway for the used LIBs obtained from Light Electric Vehicles