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. The $45 million federal initiative funds projects aimed at advancing 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 project’s primary goal is to improve the efficiency and safety of recycling EV batteries. Currently, the process is complex. Led by Pingen Chen, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Tennessee Tech, the project focuses on creating a mobile processing hub. This facility will allow local collection sites to disassemble and shred EV batteries safely. Raw materials like lithium and cobalt will be extracted and reused to manufacture new batteries. This process supports a circular economy, reducing mining and conserving natural resources.
Tennessee Tech’s approach aims to make EV battery recycling more accessible, safer, and cost-effective. The mobile hub will decentralize the process, boosting recycling rates and improving safety.
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 and address key concerns about battery disposal, especially in rural areas where 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. Furthermore, 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 simultaneously,” says Canfield. “It’s exciting because we’re growing our students, expanding our research, and integrating both to serve our state and solve real problems.”
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