The CircuBAT project wants to improve the ecobalance of e-mobility

Among seven Swiss research institutions and 24 companies, the Bern University of Applied Sciences will take part in the CircuBAT research project, which aims to create a circular business model for the production, application and recycling of lithium-ion batteries used for mobility purposes.

Electric vehicles are key to making mobility more environmentally friendly. Their lithium-ion batteries offer great potential in order to further improve their ecological balance over the entire life cycle. A part of the Flagship Initiative of Innosuisse, the newly launched research project CircuBAT aims to create a sustainable circular business model for lithium-ion batteries used in mobility.

Other than focusing on finding solutions that boost sustainability in all phases of a lithium-ion battery’s life cycle, the project also intends to put batteries to use as stationary energy storage systems after they are retired from their first mobility-related application.

Decarbonizing mobility in Switzerland and promoting the use of renewable energy

The Bern University of Applied Sciences is the CircuBAT project leader. On the science side, an additional six Swiss research institutions are involved: Empa, the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), the University of St. Gallen (HSG), the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST), the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne (SIPBB) and the EPFL.

These institutions are joined by 24 companies from the economy and industry, ranging from material specialists and manufacturing companies to users and providers of electric vehicles.

“This will improve the environmental performance of electric vehicles, provide storage systems needed for the energy transition and save resources,” said project leader Andrea Vezzini from the Bern University of Applied Sciences.

CircuBAT is one of 15 projects approved by Innosuisse during the first tender held by the Flagship Initiative. The initiative is looking to support systematic innovations in areas of relevance for a large part of the economy or society and focuses on solutions for current or future challenges affecting multiple stakeholders who need to come together to overcome them.