The sixth edition of our webinar series Short Circuit brought together industry experts to discuss battery repurposing. Hosted by Maximillian Renner (EIT Urban Mobility), the webinar featured an introductory presentation by Maarten Buysse (Batteries team lead, Bax Innovation) and a panel discussion featuring key experts in the field.
Presentation: Overview of Battery Repurposing
Maarten Buysse opened the session with an overview of the battery repurposing landscape. He noted that, to date, most reused batteries come from manufacturing scrap or recalls rather than end-of-life electric vehicles (EVs). He highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of repurposing, such as reducing demand for new batteries and supporting circular economy objectives. However, he also outlined significant challenges, including regulatory uncertainty, transportation logistics, competition with new batteries, and limited access to battery data. Maarten stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to enable a viable and scalable battery repurposing market.
Insights from the panel
Moderated by Maarten Buysse, the panel featured:
- Andréa Vague, Electrochemistry Lead, VoltR
- Aimilios Orfanos, Co-founder & CEO, WATT4EVER
- José Diez-Rodriguez, Technology Scout, TraWeBa
The conversation covered use cases and end user acceptance, technical challenges, regulatory frameworks, economic and business models, and the future outlook on battery repurposing.
Use cases and end user acceptance
The panellists shared practical insights from real-world repurposing projects. They emphasised the importance of meeting client expectations while delivering performance and quality comparable to new batteries. Startups like VoltR and WATT4EVER are achieving quality levels at least on par with new batteries. The panel highlighted both economic and environmental motivations among end users - some are driven purely by cost, while others appreciate the sustainability angle, especially when repurposed batteries are sourced and reconditioned within the EU. Use cases included light mobility applications (VoltR) and ancillary energy services (WATT4EVER).
Technical challenges
Safety of course remains a key concern for end users. The panel stressed the importance of quality assurance through rigorous testing and battery characterisation. Companies like VoltR are developing internal predictive algorithms and ageing tests to ensure long-term safety and reliability. While intellectual property limits the sharing of specific methods, the combination of predictive modelling and advanced characterisation was presented as essential to ensuring durable and trustworthy repurposed batteries.
Regulatory and standards landscape
The panellists discussed the absence of clear regulations and safety standards, which they identified as a major barrier to growth. They advocated for the inclusion of repurposing enterprises in the regulatory process to shape realistic and supportive frameworks. Despite current recycling targets that risk undercutting the repurposing market, there is optimism due to increasing policy recognition of repurposing's benefits and the anticipated surge in end-of-life batteries.
Economic and business model
While the decreasing cost of new batteries is a challenge, the panel agreed that repurposing remains financially viable. Business models built on strategic partnerships and shared value creation continue to prove successful.
Future outlook
The future of battery repurposing appears promising. By 2030, the market will see a significant rise in returned batteries, likely exceeding available recycling capacity. This presents a strong opportunity for repurposing, provided the right regulatory conditions are in place. There’s potential for new regulations to protect and promote the repurposing sector - by maintaining cost advantages and increasing obligations on OEMs - helping the industry achieve its full potential.
Highlights from the audience Q&A
- Liability and EPR: Once a repurposer places a battery on the market, they assume Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
- Battery passport: The concept of a battery passport was welcomed as a major enabler for the repurposing industry. It would ensure comprehensive, accessible tracking of battery origin, usage, and condition - unlocking significant circular economy benefits, provided it is designed to serve all industry stakeholders.
The session highlighted the growing potential of battery repurposing. Despite current challenges - especially regulatory and logistical - there is a clear path forward. With robust regulatory frameworks and close collaboration between startups, OEMs, and producer responsibility organisations (PROs), battery repurposing could scale significantly and play a central role in building a more sustainable, circular battery ecosystem.
What are your thoughts? We'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us.
You can rewatch the recording of the session on the Battereverse Community platform.
REGISTER FOR OUR FIRST ONLINE NETWORKING EVENT: join us for Battery Xchange, an engaging online networking event designed to connect the entire battery reverse logistics ecosystem on Wednesday June 18th!
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