Further investment is necessary into the UK battery cell industry to not only meet the automotive sector’s needs but to secure the future of the UK industry which may be shut out as global supply is bought up.

Implementing DfEoL principles into battery assembly, and keeping in mind the potential to disassemble a product and recover materials and value at its end of life, could present an attractive opportunity to OEMs if the control of the battery and its remaining value were to be retained with the OEM.

Recycling businesses are keen to take up automotive traction battery recycling, but there are several technical and economic challenges that deter investment, including competitive export markets, lack and difficulty of obtaining data, a skills gap, and limited experience.

Project VALUABLE, led by HSSMI, has been instrumental in shedding light on second life opportunities for li-ion batteries. As the project closed at the end of March, we are now sharing our findings in order to generate discussion amongst the public and inspire further research.

Through a thorough analysis of the current plant, HSSMI’s work has revealed that significant cell volumes could be produced by optimising existing equipment, and by utilising increased shift patterns, without significant capital investment.

A new feasibility study called CICERO will examine how EV batteries at the end of their first life could be given a second life in classic or heritage vehicles. A digital twin of the process will enable battery testing to meet end user requirements for range or power.