Summary
- ABTC has joined the US Department of Energy’s Battery Workforce Challenge
- ABTC launched a new Design for Recyclability category in a collegiate engineering competition
- The competition supports university teams designing lithium-ion battery packs for electric vehicles
- ABTC challenges students to design battery packs with a focus on recyclability
- ABTC will support initiatives to train workers for EV and battery manufacturing jobs in the US
Article
American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has partnered with the US Department of Energy’s Battery Workforce Challenge to launch a new Design for Recyclability category in a collegiate and vocational engineering competition. This initiative supports 12 university teams and their vocational partners in designing and integrating advanced lithium-ion battery packs and electric powertrains into a 2024 Ram ProMaster EV, donated by Stellantis. Public and private industry partners from the EV circular supply chain are involved in creating real-world training environments for future battery and EV engineers and technicians.
ABTC’s participation in the competition focuses on challenging students to design battery packs with a mindset for recyclability. The goal is to create batteries that can be strategically disassembled and recycled at the end of their lifecycle, allowing for the recovery of high-value components that can be resold within the North American supply chain. CEO Ryan Melsert emphasizes the importance of incorporating strategic recycling plans into the early stages of battery design to decrease recycling costs and increase recovery rates.
The complexity of current and next-generation prototype battery packs, including features like cell-to-pack designs and advanced cell chemistries, presents challenges for automotive OEMs. While efforts are made to increase energy density and lower costs, focusing on increasing the residual value of batteries at the end of their life can be a more impactful cost-reducing tool. ABTC’s involvement in the competition highlights the value of integrating recycling considerations into battery design processes to enhance recyclability and sustainability.
In addition to the Design for Recyclability category, ABTC will support other initiatives within the Battery Workforce Challenge Program. This includes efforts to establish regional workforce training hubs across the US, aimed at reskilling and upskilling vocational and transitional workers for in-demand EV and battery manufacturing and recycling jobs. By investing in workforce development and training, the program seeks to address the growing need for skilled professionals in the rapidly expanding EV and battery industries.
The collaborative nature of the Battery Workforce Challenge brings together academia, government, industry, and nonprofit organizations to address key challenges in the EV supply chain. Through partnerships with entities like the DOE, Argonne National Laboratory, Stellantis, Samsung SDI America, and the Volta Foundation, participants have access to resources and expertise that help drive innovation and sustainability in battery and EV technologies. This multidisciplinary approach is essential for developing a skilled workforce and advancing sustainable practices in the industry.
By engaging with the Battery Workforce Challenge and introducing the Design for Recyclability category, ABTC is contributing to the development of holistic solutions for the EV industry. The emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and workforce development underscores the company’s commitment to driving positive change in the sector. Through ongoing collaboration and investment in training programs, ABTC and its partners are working towards a more environmentally friendly, efficient, and resilient battery and EV ecosystem that benefits both industry professionals and the broader community.
Read the full article here
