Swiss-led CircuBAT project accelerates development of circular economy for lithium-ion batteries in EVs

A collaborative Swiss initiative, CircuBAT, advances innovative solutions in extending battery life, enhancing recycling, and promoting sustainability in electric vehicle batteries over a four-year period, positioning Switzerland at the forefront of environmentally friendly energy transitions.

The Swiss-led CircuBAT project represents a significant stride towards establishing a circular economy for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, aiming to enhance sustainability across the entire battery life cycle, from production and application to recycling. Over four years, an alliance of seven Swiss research institutions and 24 industry partners developed innovative solutions that promise to reduce the ecological footprint of automotive lithium-ion batteries, an essential component in making electric mobility more environmentally friendly.

The project, coordinated by the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) and supported by prominent institutions including Empa, CSEM, University of St. Gallen, OST, EPFL, and SIPBB, has focused on multiple key areas. Among these are extending battery lifespan through interactive tools like the ’Battery Expert System’, which enables intuitive comparison of battery ageing, and new battery designs that facilitate easier repairs. Following their primary use in vehicles, batteries can be repurposed as stationary energy storage systems, further lengthening their utility and supporting renewable energy deployment.

Significant advances were also made in optimizing control systems for the safe and efficient operation of batteries with uneven degradation, a common challenge in multi-battery setups. The project additionally developed automated demanufacturing processes and novel techniques for direct material recovery, which are crucial for integrating secondary raw materials into new battery production, thus closing the material loop. This comprehensive approach ensures that environmental benefits are realised not only during vehicle operation but also in resource conservation and recycling.

The Swiss circular economy model for lithium-ion batteries, a cornerstone output of CircuBAT, allows for precise estimation of future volumes, particularly in the second-life battery market, positioning Switzerland at the forefront of sustainable battery management. This model, embedded within the larger framework of decarbonising mobility and promoting renewable energies, exemplifies a collaborative success between academia and industry. Empa, for example, contributed to subprojects focusing on material recovery, innovative cell manufacturing techniques that improve electrode efficiency and reduce costs, and sustainable business models for battery recycling systems. The efforts reflect a holistic methodology that spans technological innovation, practical application, and economic viability.

The culmination of the project will be showcased at the CircuBAT2025 conference held at BERNEXPO in Bern on 13 and 14 November 2025. The event features a public session and a scientific conference, presenting findings and discussing future directions in battery circularity. With over 40 speakers from the involved research and industrial partners, the two-day conference promises to provide deep insights into technologies, business models, and policy frameworks relevant to lithium-ion battery lifecycle management. The conference offers a valuable platform for exchange among scientists, industry leaders, policymakers, and the public, reflecting the multi-stakeholder approach inherent in the project.

CircuBAT is part of the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse’s Flagship Initiative, which supports large-scale, systemic innovations addressing societal and economic challenges. This backing underscores the project’s ambition not only to foster technical breakthroughs but also to stimulate market-ready solutions that can be scaled regionally and globally. The successes and lessons from CircuBAT are expected to influence future strategies for sustainability in battery production and recycling beyond Switzerland’s borders, fostering circular economy principles on an international scale.

In summary, CircuBAT embodies a forward-thinking and collaborative approach to tackling the environmental challenges posed by lithium-ion battery use in electric vehicles. By developing a scientifically robust, economically viable, and practically tested circular economy model, the project stands to make a lasting impact on how batteries are managed, extending their useful life, maximising material recovery, and ultimately contributing to the global shift toward sustainable mobility and energy systems.

📌 Reference Map:

• ^[1] (MyScience) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• ^[2] (CircuBAT official site) – Paragraph 7
• ^[3] (CircuBAT official site) – Paragraph 7
• ^[4] (iBAT Association) – Paragraph 7
• ^[5] (CircuBAT official site) – Paragraph 1, 3
• ^[6] (University of St. Gallen) – Paragraph 1, 3
• ^[7] (Bern University of Applied Sciences) – Paragraph 1, 3

Source: Fuse Wire Services