As part of our ongoing quest to maximize battery usage and efficiency while protecting the environment and ensuring precious and rare natural commodities are not wasted, Ecobat Solutions has established an Advanced Diagnostics and Engineering Center in the UK. This is the first of a planned international network of Ecobat facilities with the capability to test, diagnose, re-engineer, and repurpose electric vehicle batteries and modules. Recovered raw materials include aluminum, copper, steel, plastics, battery management systems, lower value electronic components, and packaging materials.

Located in Darlaston, West Midlands, our state-of-the-art facility is one of the most advanced of its kind. By working with our customers in a comprehensive and collaborative partnership, the technical quality of the service combined with our advanced, unique approach ensures our mutual integrity. All work is fully accredited for both quality and environmental attributes. 

To help minimize our impact on the environment and protect the health of our operators, our plant is subject to strict regulations and is required to operate according to specific environmental conditions. To confirm compliance with these requirements, our facility is audited by a third party and enforcement organizations. Our investment strategy helps to ensure that our operations comply, and, in many cases, exceed compliance with environmental permits not only for today, but which also extend well into the future.

Once batteries are received, whether repurposed or recycled, they are assigned a unique ID. All stages of the process will be recorded against the battery’s ID to ensure full and complete traceability.

Following the collection and safe transportation of Lithium-ion EV batteries, the batteries are received at the Diagnostic and Disassembly Center and stored in an evaluation and pre-qualification area. Once ready for processing, the initial assessments are carried out and the batteries are assigned a unique ID. 

Initial assessments include:

• Visual checks for physical damage 
• Safety tests including earth leakage and thermal imaging 
• The battery is connected to CAN (Controlled Area Network). This enables communication with the battery (as if on the vehicle), enabling the battery to be investigated thoroughly.
• Specialized high voltage test cycle protocols on the full Li-ion battery pack using advanced test equipment

Once the battery has been thoroughly assessed in the external containment area and has been deemed safe, it is transported into the processing facility area for further testing. Inside the processing facility area, specialists conduct the following procedure:

• The battery pack cover is removed and manual measurements are carried out 
• The module bar codes are applied to ensure traceability 
• The data is collected and assessed and a refurbishment is completed 
• The pack is then rebuilt and LV123 verification testing occurs 
• Bespoke OEM specific testing can also be actioned if required 
• Performance testing and verification is then carried out 
• All unusable raw materials are recovered and recycled wherever possible 
• Once reconditioned, the battery pack is returned back to the external containment area for retesting and certification

When Stage 3 is complete, Ecobat Solutions contracts with trusted partners to handle the black mass that is generated. Through urban mining, the active materials, like nickel, cobalt, lead, and manganese, are extracted from the black mass and reused to build new lithium batteries. Ecobat Solutions is the only provider of fully integrated Stage 1-3 lithium battery recycling services and management services for Stage 4.