Electric vehicles (EVs) are set to dominate the market over the next two decades, particularly as many vehicle manufacturers are proposing to cease production of combustion engines by 2040, and if not, sooner. For that reason, the UK government is investing 900 million to support the growth of the technology and associated infrastructure. Further information about the governments progress can be found here.
The price of the battery has dropped considerably over the past decade, due to improved storage capacity, helping to reduce the cost of the vehicle. However, a loss in capacity over the lifetime is expected to occur, and once it reaches 80% of the battery packs capacity, it can no longer act efficiently for propulsion. At this point the battery pack must be swapped. The average lifetime of a vehicle battery is currently just 8 years.
The market growth in EVs suggests there will be growth in the number of batteries entering the waste phase over the coming decade. Given that many will have 80% capacity remaining there are opportunities to utilise these batteries through remanufacturing or reuse in new applications.
The price of the battery has dropped considerably over the past decade, due to improved storage capacity, helping to reduce the cost of the vehicle. However, a loss in capacity over the lifetime is expected to occur, and once it reaches 80% of the battery packs capacity, it can no longer act efficiently for propulsion. At this point the battery pack must be swapped. The average lifetime of a vehicle battery is currently just 8 years.
The market growth in EVs suggests there will be growth in the number of batteries entering the waste phase over the coming decade. Given that many will have 80% capacity remaining there are opportunities to utilise these batteries through remanufacturing or reuse in new applications.
2018 |
2024 |
2030 |
140,000 EVs |
1,000,000 EVs |
9,000,000 EVs |
8 yr battery life |
10 yr battery life |
? |
Project VALUABLE's key objectives are to develop commercially viable metrology and test processes as well as new supply chain concepts for recycling, reuse and remanufacturing of automotive lithium-ion batteries to create a complete End-of-Life (EoL) supply chain network within the UK. The project will investigate key areas that are providing difficulties in dealing with automotive batteries at their end of life (EoL):
- The lack of reliable and cost-effective test methods,
- The lack of remanufacturing/recycling and reuse processes,
- The lack of effective value chains, and
- Lack of design considerations for EoL in battery design.
