A Swiss startup specializing in innovative battery reuse systems seeks a partnership with a company capable of efficiently and cost-effectively disassembling electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The objective is to address the growing challenge of sustainably managing end-of-life EV batteries by integrating disassembly and recycling technologies into the startup s existing reuse systems.
The Swiss startup believes this collaboration can set a new standard for sustainable battery management while advancing energy and material efficiency globally.

Background:
The current methods of EV battery disassembly and recycling* are often labor-intensive, costly, and limited in scalability. To optimize sustainability and economic feasibility, the Swiss startup requires a technology that at scale is capable of disassembling EV batteries for less than EUR 0.10 per cell. The technology should handle diverse battery formats and chemistries, focusing on automation and precision to minimize human intervention and maximize material recovery.
Key outcomes include efficient dismantling, safe recovery of reusable materials (e.g., electrodes and metals), and streamlined separation of cells suitable for reuse versus recycling.

Background of the Startup:
The Swiss startup is a leader in battery reuse innovation, committed to extending battery lifecycles and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Their systems prioritize identifying and repurposing functional battery cells for secondary applications, such as energy storage. By incorporating efficient disassembly processes, the startup aims to bridge the gap between reuse and recycling, creating a circular economy for EV batteries.

Solutions sought:
The startup is looking for disassembly and recycling technologies that can handle diverse chemistries, particularly lithium-ion batteries. Key features include efficient dismantling processes, ideally including dewelding systems which enable individual cell separation from bus bars. Automation and scalability are essential to ensure the technology can meet the growing demand for sustainable battery management solutions, since the cost of meeting this problem at scale are projected to be prohibitively high.
The ideal technology should be at a demonstrable stage, preferably beyond the prototype phase, with proven capabilities in disassembling and recycling batteries at scale. Operational case studies or pilot projects that showcase efficiency and feasibility would be advantageous. The Swiss startup values partners with expertise in automated systems and environmentally sound practices.

Sort of partner and agreement:
The Swiss startup seeks a collaborative relationship where technical know-how in battery recycling aligns with their battery reuse systems to achieve a commercially viable solution. Companies with a mutual interest in scaling sustainable energy solutions and addressing the global challenge of battery waste would be ideal partners. The partnership aims to leverage synergies between reuse and recycling, advancing sustainable practices and creating a model for effective battery lifecycle management.

The partnership aims to achieve:
1. Integration of the partner’s disassembly technology with the startup’s reuse systems.
2. Commercialization of a joint solution that combines recycling and reuse, benefiting both parties.
3. A tangible reduction in battery waste and environmental impact.

The partnership sought could take the form of co-development, licensing, or a joint venture agreement. The startup envisions cooperation through mutual investment or funding programs, such as European sustainability grants or innovation accelerators, to scale and implement the technology rapidly.

The startup is open to global technologies and partners, with no specific geographic preference, emphasizing the need for expertise and a shared vision for sustainability.
Advantages and innovation
Joining with an innovative recycler will provide synergies in the form of collective utilization of the resource, with the best possible outcome determined by the provenance of the cells.
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
The Swiss startup requires a cost-effective, automated technology for the disassembly of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, designed to handle a diverse range of battery formats and chemistries. The system must prioritize performance, ease of use, and safety while ensuring a low operational cost, with a target of less than EUR 0.10 per cell disassembled. High throughput and minimal manual intervention are essential to achieving scalability and efficiency. The technology should also guarantee high material recovery rates ( more than 90%) with minimal loss or contamination, maintaining quality standards for reuse and recycling.

Performance and Size:
The system must be compact and modular, adaptable to various operational setups, and capable of processing battery packs with sizes up to 100 cm x 80 cm x 30 cm. It should include precise tolerances to safely separate cells without damaging reusable components or causing safety hazards like thermal runaway.

Volume / Capability:
The pilot phase in 2025 aims to process 50 kWh of battery materials, with the system scalable to handle increasing volumes in subsequent years. The technology should be capable of separating reusable cells from non-reusable materials and preparing them for secondary applications or recycling.

Intellectual Property (IP):
The Swiss startup is open to IP-sharing agreements to foster collaboration and technology co-development. Partners must be willing to explore shared ownership or licensing arrangements that align with the long-term goals of both parties.

Development Stage:
The desired technology should be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4-9, indicating readiness for piloting or near-commercial deployment. Solutions with demonstrated feasibility through operational case studies or pilot programs will be prioritized.

The focus is on integrating advanced disassembly capabilities into a circular battery management solution that combines reuse and recycling for maximum environmental and economic benefit.