Innovation in the field of electrical vehicle (EV) battery recyling

The Canton of Solothurn is collaborating with the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne to advance automation technologies for electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling processes. As part of this initiative, it is establishing the Swiss Battery Technology Center (SBTC) Solothurn GmbH in Biberist.

Initiated by the cantonal location promotion agency, the Solothurn government is supporting the activities of the SBTC Solothurn GmbH as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne SIPBB.

The sustainable recovery of raw materials from lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) presents a significant challenge. In Switzerland alone, at least 15,000 tons of LIBs from electrically powered vehicles will need to be recycled annually by 2040. Across Europe, establishing a closed material cycle for LIBs is becoming a mandatory requirement.

 
With the increasing quantities of discarded LIBs, the demand for automation and safety processes in the material cycle is also growing. The canton of Solothurn, the SIPBB and the companies operating in Biberist already today see great economic potential in this development.

The SBTC Solothurn GmbH combines automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, safety technologies and chemical and material technology processes to enable efficient battery recycling. Starting in 2026, the GmbH will establish itself as an innovation leader in Biberist, which, together with the companies already based here, will form a recycling center for electromobility with a European reach.

 
The cumulative experience gained with the new automation process offers important information on the technological design of more easily dismantled e-batteries and future regulatory requirements in EV recycling. Building on this knowledge, the GmbH is positioned to serve as a training and further education center, focusing on the optimal design of new EV batteries and their safe handling.