Batt:RE: Battery Supply Chain Information Management for Optimized Tracking and Circularity

Research Project, 2024 – 2025

The European Union (EU) is shifting to renewable energy, prioritizing transport electrification by increasing the number of electric vehicles (EVs). This transition is driving a surge in demand for EV batteries, which depend on critical materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. By 2030, demand for lithium is expected to rise by 575% and for nickel by 1237%. To address these material needs, the EU has set targets for minimum recycled content in batteries and introduced regulations for tracking productrelated data across the supply chain, including battery passports and waste tracking. Achieving effective circularity and traceability requires real-time information sharing
across complex supply chains. However, inconsistent data standards, security concerns, and fragmented information systems hinder progress, making it difficult for stakeholders to manage and share critical data effectively.
BATT:RE, a nine-month feasibility study, aims to address these challenges related to information management in the EV battery supply chain. By analyzing current practices and identifying pain points at two major heavy vehicle OEMs, along with recycling
company and research universities, BATT:RE lays the groundwork for a larger R&I project within the FFI Circularity program. It seeks to enhance traceability and information systems, contributing to more resource-efficient sourcing, production, and end-of-life battery handling while supporting the EU's battery passport initiative.