Swiss breakthrough: AI and recycling transform lithium-ion battery sustainability
The CircuBAT project has successfully developed a circular economy model for lithium-ion batteries in Switzerland. After years of research, the initiative has delivered practical solutions to extend battery life, improve recycling, and reduce waste in electric mobility.
Led by the Bern University of Applied Sciences, the project brought together 24 companies and Swiss research institutions. Their goal was to create a sustainable system for managing electric vehicle batteries from production to end-of-life. One key achievement was an AI-powered system for automated battery disassembly, making recycling faster and more efficient.
The team also designed batteries with reuse and recycling in mind from the start. They explored ways to prolong battery lifespan in vehicles, even when multiple packs showed different levels of wear. Additionally, the project introduced a Swiss model to predict future demand for second-life batteries, helping industries plan for reuse.
Two solutions from CircuBAT are already in commercial use. Thömus and Fiat Powertrain now use algorithms to predict battery health in e-bikes and electric trucks. Meanwhile, Empa and Bühler have commercialised a dry-coating process for cathode materials, improving battery production efficiency.
Andrea Vezzini, the project lead, called the initiative a success and a vital step toward a global closed-loop battery economy. Participants highlighted its role in cutting carbon emissions from transport and boosting renewable energy use in Switzerland.
The CircuBAT project has set a foundation for sustainable battery management in Switzerland. Its innovations in recycling, AI-driven disassembly, and second-life applications are now being adopted by industry. The model provides a clear path for reducing waste and supporting cleaner mobility in the future.
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