SAFELOOP

Projected battery demand of 735 GWh in electric transportation by 2025 and a forecast of 125 million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2033 is a driving force for innovation. But these promising developments are overshadowed by real safety concerns, such as two frightening ship fires involving luxury electric vehicles, despite adhering to the strictest safety protocols.

SAFELOOP is a collaborative initiative bringing together 15 organizations from 11 countries representing research, manufacturing and business across Europe. Transatlantic partners are joining forces to strengthen competitive technologies and supply chain logistics at the material level.

The main objectives of the project include securing strategic raw material supply, reducing dependence on Asian supply chains, increasing environmental sustainability, optimizing energy efficient processes and demonstrating technological leadership. The main focus of SAFELOOP is to ensure the safety of Gen3 EU EV Li-Ion Batteries (LIB), covering all stages of battery life within electric vehicles.

Safety is not only addressed at the cell level, but more broadly. This includes processes such as material handling, component processing, battery production, testing, transportation, maintenance and recycling of active materials. A Euro-centric supply chain for battery materials for electric vehicles will be established, minimizing the environmental and financial impact of long-distance transport.

SAFELOOP ensures that batteries and their components comply with EU safety and environmental regulations. Beyond improving EU battery safety, the project aims to develop the world's first EV-compatible LIB containing up to % 25 recycled and fully refurbished battery active materials. This initiative paves the way for an ambitious recycling target of % 90 over the next decade, similar to the current lead-acid battery industry's recycling rate of % 95. These environmentally responsible solutions address key aspects of automotive battery safety in the EU and beyond.