Funding is Part of Advanced Research Projects
Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) Program to Develop a Sustainable Critical
Minerals Supply Chain
ANN
ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 18,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota announced today that
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA),
inclusive of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) R&D, has been
selected to receive $4.5 million in
funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, Advanced Research
Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The funding is part of the
Catalyzing Innovative Research for Circular Use of Long-lived
Advanced Rechargeables (CIRCULAR) Program, designed to support a
circular domestic supply chain for electric vehicle (EV)
batteries.
TEMA's Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA) division will administer
the project - Development of an Autonomous Robotic Disassembly
Process for Applications in Battery Pack Circularity - in
collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Baker Hughes' inspection
technology product line, Waygate Technologies to pursue the project
goals.
This project aims to develop an industry-relevant template for a
3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) facility of the future. The goal is to
help resolve the primary bottlenecks in current battery supply
chain circularity, which are the automation of battery pack
disassembly, data-driven battery classification, and addressing
cell degradation.
In support of this goal, the teams working on the project will
develop tools and procedures. They will include an automated pack
disassembly process, advanced diagnostic tools and protocols for
module and cell 3R classifications, and a refabrication method for
3R cells into new energy systems. Together, these innovations
envision a scenario where end-of-life lithium-ion batteries are
systematically evaluated, classified and reused prior to being
considered for recycling.
"As it stands, this project and program will highlight avenues
for everyone to rethink their approach to battery circularity, and
help prioritize the extension of battery life, facilitate battery
reuse, and reduce battery waste while unveiling the appropriate
pathways to achieve such priorities," said Nik Singh, principal scientist at TRINA who is
Principal Investigator on this project. "This is only made possible
by the collaboration between the exceptional teams comprised within
this project group."
The concepts developed within this project will also be applied
in industrial settings led by TMNA's Battery Lifecycle Solutions
(BLS), Business Development Team.
"This collaboration represents a significant step forward in
developing sustainable solutions for the battery lifecycle", said
Sarah Kennedy, BLS manager who is
leading the technology to market deployment. "By applying the
innovations established from this project, we aim to create a
framework that not only reduces battery waste but also enhances the
circularity of our battery supply chain, supporting Toyota's
commitment to sustainability and mobility."
As end-of-life and battery scrap volumes increase in the coming
years, a new approach is needed to extend the useful life of many
standard battery pack components, and conserve their initial
techno-economic investments, paving the way for a more sustainable,
circular battery supply chain.
"We will generate processes to streamline reusing and
refurbishing valuable battery cells and modules from end-of-life
packs, without having to scan every single battery pack every
single time," said Marm Dixit, who
is co-leading ORNL's contributions to the project. "By extending
the life of the battery components, we reduce their total emissions
per mile. That's a big deal for the role EVs can play in the energy
transition."
"NREL's expertise in advanced electrochemical analysis using
machine learning and imaging using nano computed tomography will
enable rapid assessment of state of health, remaining useful life
and failure mode of end-of-life Toyota cells, modules and pack,"
said Ankit Verma, NREL staff
scientist.
"This research partnership underlines our position as an
inspection technology leader in the field of non-destructive
testing," commented Neil Bloomfield,
global battery segment leader for Waygate Technologies at Baker
Hughes, which will primarily provide state-of-the-art computed
tomography and ultrasonic systems for battery inspection. "With
this project, we are honored and committed to actively contribute
to the energy transition, which is an integral part of our
company's strategy."
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the
cultural fabric in North America
for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable,
next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus
our more than 1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the
design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and
trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota's plant in
North Carolina will begin to
manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With
more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker,
Toyota currently offers 30 electrified options.
For more information about Toyota, visit
www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Rick Bourgoise
richard.bourgoise@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America
