BEST-BAT

The BEST-BAT research project proposed here aims to provide decision support to stakeholders in the battery ecosystem in selecting the most suitable battery cells and technologies. To this end, the project will examine both particularly future-oriented applications and integrated application systems (such as electrified logistics depots or construction sites), among others, from the end-user’s perspective, and assess their suitability using a holistic evaluation methodology (technical, economic, and environmental). To make the research results easily accessible and facilitate their low-threshold transfer to industry, an interactive, web-based evaluation application is being developed. This is intended to promote cross-value-chain collaboration within the battery ecosystem and accelerate the electrification of application areas. Finally, based on the insights gained, recommendations for action and strategies will be derived to strengthen technological sovereignty in the German and European battery ecosystem, in particular by identifying potential uses and development opportunities for second-life batteries or alternative battery technologies.

The project is divided into five work packages:

WP 1 involves the selection and characterization of future applications deemed relevant by the Advisory Board. Key applications such as electric trucks, home energy storage systems, and power tools are also considered as complex application systems. The focus is on applications with growth potential for alternative battery technologies or second-life cells.

WP 2 focuses on current and future cells, cell technologies, and second-life cells. The cell database developed in the BetterBat project will be further refined. In addition to data sheet KPIs, these will be validated through laboratory testing and classified according to their resilience. In addition, methods are being developed to model real-world cell aging and to account for scaling effects between the cell and system levels.

WP 3 evaluates the suitability of the cells for the defined applications from a techno-economic and environmental perspective. This evaluation takes into account cost parity prices for manufacturers as well as the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for end users. The environmental assessment covers the entire life cycle in accordance with the EU Battery Regulation.

WP 4 analyzes potential gains in sovereignty through the substitution of lithium-ion batteries with alternative cell technologies or second-life cells. The analysis examines material flows, security of supply, and recycling capacities. Together with the Advisory Board, strategies and recommendations for policymakers are derived. In addition, a blind-spot analysis identifies further research and funding needs.

AP 5 consolidates the results and methods and makes them available to the battery ecosystem for its own analyses. To this end, the results are prepared for an interactive, web-based assessment application.

The project is developing a robust decision-making framework for the electrification of various applications, such as passenger cars, public transit, logistics depots, home energy storage systems, power tools, electric trucks, and electric forklifts. The key result is an interactive, web-based evaluation application that enables the comparison of battery cells and technologies in terms of technical suitability, market availability, costs, total cost of ownership, and environmental impacts. It supports cell manufacturers in positioning their products, system integrators in designing battery systems, and end users in making investment decisions.

The results also take into account complex application systems, such as the interaction between electric vehicles, photovoltaics, charging infrastructure, and stationary storage systems in a logistics depot. This provides transparency regarding the technical, economic, and environmental impacts of battery selection.

In addition, the project identifies potential applications and substitution opportunities for second-life batteries as well as alternative future technologies . It analyzes the implications for end-of-life material flows, recycling capacities, and the supply of secondary raw materials. Building on this, strategies and recommendations for action are developed to strengthen the technological sovereignty of Germany and Europe. Overall, the results promote competitive battery applications, reduce dependence on Asian supply chains, and facilitate the market diffusion of lower-emission electric solutions. This can accelerate investment, secure industrial jobs, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in logistics and construction. The application thus creates a shared, transparent database for stakeholders along the value chain and supports the selection of suitable technologies for economically and sustainably electrified use cases in Europe and Germany.