New batteries from recycled material
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Volvo Personvagnar AB - Avd 97000 |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 846 680 |
| Project duration | May 2021 - December 2023 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Metallic material |
| Call | Metallic materials for the electrified society |
Purpose and goal
The project aim is to investigate the properties of new battery cells made from recycled material. Used batteries from electric and hybrid Volvo cars will be dismantled, separated and grinded before the metals are recovered by hydrometallurgic methods. Then new cells will be made from the recovered material. The new cells will be analyzed by Chalmers and Uppsala university, with their knowledge on recycling methods and advanced cell characterization, respectively. Finally, the cells will be tested in Volvo´s battery lab, with focus on how they are aged after long-term cycling.
Expected results and effects
The expected project result is to gain knowledge on weather battery cells made from old, aged batteries have some specific impurities that affect their structure or properties. Specifically, we want to investigate the properties after long-time charging and discharging. This knowledge may be used to improve the recycling methods on a laboratory scale.
Planned approach and implementation
-In Northvolt´s recycling processes metal salts of Li, Co, Mn and Ni are extracted from Volvo´s battery packs and modules. Chemical analysis is done of the composition and purity of these metals. -New cells are made from the recovered material. -Material characterization of cells from recycled material, and how these differ from cells made from new material. -Evaluation of these cells by charging / discharging them in a laboratory environment for 6-12 months. Comparison between how these recycled battery cells age compared to cells made from new raw materials.