To improve end-of-life battery management, a multi-pronged approach combining technological innovation, optimized usage practices, and strategic recycling frameworks is essential:
Technological Advancements
- Enhanced BMS: Advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS), like Exro’s Cell Driver™, utilize micro-protection mechanisms and active cell balancing to monitor and rest cells, reducing degradation and extending lifespan.
- Material Innovation: Transitioning to chemistries like lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or lithium titanate, which degrade slower than cobalt-based batteries, can improve longevity and recyclability.
Usage Optimization
- Partial Charging: Keeping charge levels between 20–80% and avoiding full discharges significantly prolong cycle life. Reducing charge voltage by ~70mV per cell can double cycle counts, albeit with reduced capacity.
- Low Depth of Discharge (DoD): Smaller DoD cycles (e.g., 50% SOC) can extend battery lifespan by 44–130%, as demonstrated by Chalmers University.
End-of-Life Strategies
- Recycling: Prioritizing lithium-ion battery recycling reduces human toxicity, terrestrial acidification, and metal depletion. Recycling reclaims critical materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
- Remanufacturing: Refurbishing batteries for reuse in EVs cuts CO₂ emissions by ~1,193 kg CO₂eq per battery compared to new production.
- Second-Life Applications: Repurposing retired EV batteries for grid storage or less-demanding applications maximizes resource utility before final recycling.
Policy and Infrastructure
- Renewable Energy Integration: Using ≥50% renewable energy in battery production and recycling reduces the overall environmental footprint.
- Circular Economy Frameworks: Governments must incentivize standardized recycling protocols and invest in facilities to handle increasing volumes of retired EV batteries sustainably.
By integrating these strategies, end-of-life battery management can achieve greater sustainability, reduced waste, and enhanced economic viability.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-can-end-of-life-battery-management-be-improved/
