BATRAW is a strategic project for managing end-of-life (EoL) electric vehicle (EV) batteries. As the EU moves toward a low-carbon, circular economy, demand for electric mobility and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is rising. These are key to decarbonizing transport and reaching climate neutrality by 2050. However, this also increases battery waste and raises concerns about raw material sourcing, environmental impact, and resource security.
The rapid EV deployment creates a need for sustainable EoL battery systems, facing challenges like CRM dependency, safety risks, waste value chain development, and shifting regulations and markets.
BATRAW develops innovative solutions for reuse, repurposing, and recycling of EoL EV and domestic batteries and scraps—generating secondary streams of strategic CRMs and battery raw materials. Funded by Horizon Europe, it brings together industry, research, tech providers, and policymakers.
Key goals include semi-automated, safe dismantling technologies to recover 95% of battery components using robotics and digital tools. It also explores second-life use of EV modules for stationary storage. BATRAW will validate hydrometallurgical and mechanical processes to extract CRMs (Co, Ni, Mn, Li, C-graphite, Al, Cu) with 90–98% selectivity, including innovative separation steps. A pilot system will dismantle 1 ton of LIBs per 8-hour shift and treat 300 kg of black mass daily.
BATRAW will offer technical guidance for eco-design, recyclability, and material recovery. It supports EU regulation compliance through a blockchain-based Battery Passport for traceability and will provide safety protocols for EoL battery handling.
To boost impact, BATRAW includes a strong C&D&E plan with circular business models, innovation workshops, EU platform outreach, policy briefs, and stakeholder engagement.
