Reuse of electric car batteries
Stena Recycling AS announced the launch of Europe’s first complete and scalable value chain for the reuse and recycling of electric car batteries. This innovative project is being established at Stena’s new battery management facility in Ausenfjellet, in collaboration with the technology company EV HUB AS. The facility is expected to be completed after the summer of 2024, with a total investment framework of 100 million NOK. Enova is supporting the project with 40 %, capped at 21.8 million NOK.
The new facility in Ausenfjellet/Norway
© Stena
Increased need for lithium batteries
The rapidly growing electric car fleet in Europe, with at least 30 million electric cars expected by 2030, has led to increased demand for lithium-ion batteries. Stena Recycling‘s project addresses the need for efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for the reuse and recycling of these batteries.
Ragnhild Borchgrevink, CEO of Stena Recycling AS, highlights the significance of the facility. “This project focuses on both the reuse and recycling of electric car batteries and will help reduce the carbon footprint and promote a circular economy. With Enova’s support, we can develop new technology and establish a value chain that minimizes the environmental impact of electric car batteries,” she explains.
When fully operational, the facility will be able to handle up to 3000 t of high-energy batteries annually, equivalent to 6000 to 8000 electric car batteries. The project includes the development of advanced infrastructure, AI algorithms for assessing battery health, innovative disassembly and diagnostic methods, and a modular battery storage bank for second life applications.
EV HUB plays a crucial role in the maintenance and refurbishment of electric car batteries, having developed a unique solution for diagnosing and repairing battery systems. “Our technology provides a detailed overview of the battery’s condition, making it possible to save many electric cars from being scrapped and get them back on the road again,” says Nassir Farooq, CEO of EV HUB AS.
The reuse of electric car batteries reduces CO2 emissions and resource consumption, contributing to the transition to a low-emission society. The project will also generate new knowledge and create new jobs within the green energy sector.
