IAV E-Mobility A second life for e-car batteries

A second life for e-car batteries

Sustainability is the central issue in the development of high-voltage batteries. With its eco-design battery, IAV had already provided a blueprint for how electricity storage systems can save both, CO2 and costs from production to recycling. Michael Clauß, specialist for battery systems at IAV, explains how the new “Eco-Design 2.0” concept can further improve the eco-balance of batteries.

What is the Eco-Design 2.0 concept all about?

With the new concept, we are going one step further than with the first version (Eco-Design 1.0) towards the “second life” of batteries. To precisely align the battery with the requirements in a second life cycle, we must become more modular. So, instead of one large battery housing, we are planning several smaller submodules. This way, we don’t have to dismantle the entire system for a second use. Although this means that we lose some energy density, we can significantly reduce the CO2 footprint if second life and recycling are considered accordingly. The topic of “cell to pack” – the use of larger modules to save on housing structures – is also being considered. In addition, there are concepts in thermal propagation. At the International Vienna Motor Symposium in April, we will exhibit a demonstrator of Eco-Design 2.0.

"Our new concept contributes significantly to one of the most important trends in the battery market: Sustainability."

Michael Clauß — Specialist for Battery Systems at IAV

What contribution does Eco-Design 2.0 make to sustainability?

According to IAV’s internal calculations, this reduces the manufacturing costs for core elements of the battery modules by 31 percent. Life cycle analysis improves by 51 percent. We have shown the higher weight of the battery with its impact on energy consumption.

Which battery technology will in future prevail on the market?

Samsung has already announced series production for solid-state electrolyte cells. This is a game changer because it is expected that the energy densities can be increased by a good third. This could also give lithium-ion technology significantly greater potential.

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