Tennessee Tech Receives $4.8 Million Grant for EV Battery Recycling Initiative

Tennessee Tech University has been awarded a $4.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to enhance electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling efforts. This funding is part of a larger $45 million federal initiative aimed at developing projects to advance the sustainability and efficiency of EV technologies. The university is the only grant recipient from the southeastern U.S., joining several major companies and institutions such as General Motors and Siemens in securing funding for the development of innovative clean energy solutions.

Objective: Streamlining Battery Recycling and Promoting Circular Economy
The primary goal of the project is to improve the efficiency and safety of recycling EV batteries, which is currently a complex process. Led by Pingen Chen, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Tennessee Tech, the project will focus on the creation of a mobile processing hub. This mobile facility will allow local collection sites to disassemble and shred EV batteries safely, with raw materials extracted and reused in manufacturing new batteries. This process is key to creating a circular economy, where valuable materials like lithium and cobalt can be recycled, reducing dependency on mining and preserving precious natural resources.

Tennessee Tech’s approach aims to make EV battery recycling more user-friendly, safer, and cost-effective. The mobile hub will improve the recycling process by making it more accessible and local, allowing for the safe processing of batteries in a decentralized manner, which could boost overall recycling rates.

Focus on Rural Communities and EV Adoption
Chen’s passion for EV technology is rooted in his experience growing up in a rural, low-income community. His work on this project aligns with his broader mission to make EVs a viable option for rural areas, where transportation costs can be a significant burden. In Tennessee, where electricity rates are affordable, EVs can save households 50-60% on transportation costs. The goal is to make EVs more accessible while addressing key concerns about battery disposal, particularly in rural areas where access to recycling infrastructure is limited.

Leveraging Robotics and Collaborative Efforts
The project also involves leveraging robotics to assist in the mobile processing process. Stephen Canfield, professor of mechanical engineering at Tennessee Tech, will lead this effort, which includes using collaborative robotics to automate and streamline the recycling process. This initiative will also provide valuable hands-on research opportunities for students at Tennessee Tech, expanding their involvement in cutting-edge technologies. Students in Canfield’s robotics class will have the chance to contribute directly to the development of the mobile processing hub.

Tennessee Tech’s efforts are part of a broader push to expand EV adoption in Tennessee, which includes a previous $1 million DOE grant for expanding EV charging infrastructure in cities like Chattanooga and Nashville. These efforts also aim to integrate EVs into municipal fleets, helping to promote sustainable transportation solutions across the state.

Addressing Industry Needs and Educational Impact
With this grant, Tennessee Tech is not only advancing research but also making a meaningful impact on the EV industry by creating sustainable solutions for battery recycling. The initiative aligns with the university’s broader mission to educate the next generation of engineers while addressing real-world challenges. “These research projects allow us to solve large problems and educate our students at the same time,” says Canfield. “It’s exciting because we’re growing our students, we’re growing our research, and we’re integrating the two to serve our state and solve real problems.”