Circular Batteries: Closing the loop on EV batteries and conserving critical raw materials
How do we create value through building a circular economy ecosystem?
This project unites OEMs, suppliers, recyclers and start-ups to develop scalable solutions for EV battery reuse and recycling. By fostering collaboration and advancing technologies, we aim to secure Europe’s critical raw materials supply and further establish the industrial capabilities needed for a circular EV battery economy.
What we achieved with this project:
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We demonstrated end-to-end processes for EOL EV batteries – from logistics to material recovery.
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We piloted innovative dismantling and lithium recovery technologies.
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We processed 12+ tons of EOL EV batteries, surpassing the 2031 lithium recovery target.
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We explored second-life applications, such as lubricants and energy storage.
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We enabled transparent material tracking across the battery lifecycle.
Despite progress, large-scale implementation faces significant hurdles:
Investment and scaling in the EU: Numerous industrial projects across the EV battery value chain in the EU have been delayed or put on hold due to challenging regulatory and economic conditions, slowing progress and innovation.
Fragmented regulation: Lengthy approval processes and inconsistent frameworks across EU countries continue to hinder progress.
Global competition: Asia and the U.S. are accelerating progress through significant investments and supportive policies, challenging Europe to strengthen its position in EV battery circularity.
The way forward - achieving circularity demands decisive action:
Governments must improve framework conditions to enable industries to invest in large-scale facilities, driving progress in EV battery circularity.
Supporting start-ups: Start-ups play a critical role in driving technological breakthroughs and new business models. Venture capital and targeted funding help unlock their potential and strengthen the value chain.
Long-term strategies: Preparing for growing EOL EV battery volumes requires sustained investment and shared responsibility for interim costs.
Collaboration: Stakeholders must align on shared goals, foster innovation and work towards streamlined processes and ensure scalability.
Are you interested in learning more about our various other multi-stakeholder projects? Then feel free to reach out to us!
CIRCULAR REPUBLIC
Circular Economy is the basis for a prosperous, resilient, and sustainable economy. As part of UnternehmerTUM, Europe's largest center for innovation and start-ups, CIRCULAR REPUBLIC empowers companies and start-ups to realize circular economy innovations and develop new business models. As a platform, the initiative connects relevant actors and aims to set system-changing impulses along the entire value chain.
UnternehmerTUM
At UnternehmerTUM, visions turn into value. Our teams empower innovative people to take entrepreneurial action. Together with start-ups and established companies, we drive tech ventures forward - from first idea to market leadership.
Our more than 300 employees include entrepreneurs, scientists, and investors. We support start-ups in founding their business, entering the market, and securing funding – including venture capital. For established companies, a team of experienced consultants offers access to our strong network. UnternehmerTUM draws from many years of expertise: We help to develop and implement innovation strategies and to spin off tech-oriented business ideas.
Founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Susanne Klatten, the non-profit oriented UnternehmerTUM gGmbH is the leading center for innovation and business creation in Europe with more than 50 high-growth technology start-ups every year - including Celonis, Konux, inveox, and Isar Aerospace.
At the Entrepreneurship Center on the Garching science campus, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and UnternehmerTUM offer their services under one roof. The Munich Urban Colab, a center for innovation and business creation focusing on Smart City solutions, is our second location. Built together with the City of Munich, it opened its doors in 2021.