The fast-paced growth of electric mobility has highlighted the need for more sustainable and efficient batteries. Although electric vehicles are already considered a cleaner alternative to those powered by fossil fuels, there are still a number of significant challenges associated with current energy storage technologies in terms of cost, safety, and recyclability.

At the end of their useful life, many batteries are sent to landfill or require costly and inefficient recycling processes, factors that make them less sustainable in the long term. In this context, the LIBRESS project is an innovative solution focused on modular, recyclable, affordable, and safe lithium-ion batteries that aims to contribute to a more responsible and accessible energy transition.

Innovation for a longer and safer life cycle

One of the main aims of LIBRESS is to maximise the useful life of lithium-ion batteries, guaranteeing that they are safe and reliable during all stages of use. To achieve this, the project has opted for a modular design that makes it easier to maintain, repair, and reuse these batteries and adapt them to different energy needs.

Additionally, the integrated distributed management system optimises the efficiency of charging and discharging, preventing overloads and improving supply stability. These innovations not only prolong the useful life of batteries in electric vehicles but also mean that they can be adapted for use in other applications once they have fulfilled their initial function.

A“Battery Passport” for a truly circular economy

Connectivity is a key element of LIBRESS to promote the traceability and reuse of batteries. The battery passport, a digital system that collects key information on each battery throughout its life cycle, tell us about a battery's status, usage history, and remaining capacity. Therefore, these batteries can subsequently be used in stationary applications, such as renewable energy storage, and managed more efficiently as part of the circular economy.

With this approach, LIBRESS not only boosts the development of energy storage technology but also redefines the way batteries are conceived and used, in line with a more sustainable and versatile model.

A strategic alliance to transform electric mobility

The success of the LIBRESS project is down to collaboration between key players from the energy and electric mobility sector. CEGASA Energía, with its ample experience in energy storage, and NUUK Mobility Solutions (NMS), a company specialised in light electric mobility solutions, have joined forces to develop a safer, more sustainable and versatile battery.

The IKERLAN technology centre is also involved in this undertaking as a key partner in the research and development of this innovative multi-technology solution. Together we have designed a smart modular battery, and the battery passport is a central element of this solution to guarantee traceability and ensure that the battery can be reused in second-life applications.

This project demonstrates the importance of collaboration between companies and technology centres in designing innovative solutions that will shape the future of mobility.

A benchmark project within the PERTE VEC

LIBRESS is part of the Strategic Project for Recovery and Economic Transformation in the Area of Electric and Connected Vehicles (PERTE VEC), which falls under the driving project led by Renault Group. This initiative is promoted by the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism and receives NextGenerationEU funds from the European Union through Spain’s Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.

Renault’s driving project is one of the most ambitious in the plan, with a budget of more than 74 million euros and the involvement of 45 companies, 70% of which are SMEs located across Spain.

Thanks to this collaboration, LIBRESS not only strengthens the electric vehicle industrial ecosystem in Spain but also leads the way to more efficient and sustainable mobility, where innovation and battery recycling play a leading role and are a key asset in the circular economy.