The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program has provided Toyota with a $4.5 million increase to improve the sustainability of its electric vehicle battery production.
Funding is provided by the CIRCULAR program of ARPA-E, with a focus on establishing a sustainable and closed-loop supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) battery production.
The venture, spearheaded by the Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA), aims to tackle a significant challenge in the electric vehicle industry: what can be done with used and outdated batteries?
Currently, the process of disassembling battery packs and identifying which components are suitable for reuse or recycling is a laborious, manual, and costly endeavor. Toyota has partnered with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Baker Hughes’ Waygate Technologies to revolutionize the industry.
As demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy continues to surge, constructing a robust battery recycling infrastructure will become increasingly crucial.
The venture aims to tackle the initial hurdles in the battery supply chain by streamlining battery pack disassembly through automation, leveraging data analytics for efficient battery classification, and mitigating cell degradation issues. In this state-of-the-art recycling facility, every component of a spent battery undergoes meticulous examination.
This approach may extend the lifespan of valuable battery reserves, thereby reducing waste and the need to extract fresh resources? The last word objective?
Toyota envisions a long-term “3R facility” – a cutting-edge site where batteries can be reduced, reused, and recycled at an industrial level.
According to Nik Singh, principal scientist at TRINA and lead researcher on this project, this endeavour may fundamentally alter the industry’s approach to battery recycling.
This initiative will focus on rethinking the entire lifecycle of batteries, prioritizing the extension of battery life, enabling battery reuse, and significantly reducing waste.
With emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain, companies are now poised to close the sustainability loop by reducing waste, recycling more efficiently, and promoting a circular economy. This technological synergy has led to innovative solutions such as smart recycling bins that use computer vision to identify materials, and predictive analytics platforms that help manufacturers design products for recyclability.
By leveraging these advancements, companies can now optimize their supply chains, manage inventory more effectively, and create new revenue streams through product-as-a-service models. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled real-time monitoring of waste generation, processing, and disposal, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions that reduce their environmental footprint.
Furthermore, blockchain technology has empowered consumers to track products’ origin, composition, and end-of-life recycling pathways, fostering transparency and trust in the market. As a result, companies are now better equipped to develop sustainable products that meet evolving consumer preferences for eco-friendliness and social responsibility.
This convergence of tech advancements is expected to revolutionize waste management, driving significant reductions in waste sent to landfills and oceans, and paving the way for a more circular economy where resources are conserved, and growth is sustainable.
The staff’s plan consists of:
- To accelerate the recycling process.
- To assess the condition of battery cells and modules effectively.
- To showcase outdated cells in new power methods?
The payoff? Batteries that have been thoroughly reused and refurbished will initially undergo a recovery process, with recycling serving as a last resort option.
Marm Dixit highlights the environmental benefits stemming from ORNL’s contributions. “As we prolong the lifespan of battery components, we effectively reduce their overall emissions output per mile.” Within the ongoing power transition, the role EVs can play is truly significant, according to Dixit.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will leverage advanced technologies such as machine learning and imaging techniques using nanoscale computed tomography to rapidly assess the health and lifespan of batteries, containing cutting-edge innovations. Baker Hughes’ Waygate Sciences will leverage its expertise in non-destructive testing by harnessing the power of advanced imaging technologies.
Toyota’s Battery Lifecycle Options team prepares to transition laboratory advancements into practical applications. “Building upon the successes of this initiative, we aim to develop a framework that not only minimizes battery waste but also elevates the circularity of our entire battery supply chain,” said Sarah Kennedy, supervisor at BLS, who is spearheading the technology’s market deployment.
Stanford researchers predict that EV batteries will exceed expectations by lasting up to 40% more than initially thought.
