EV research targets bigger role for recycled aluminium

Novelis is expanding its research programme into boosting the performance of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) using more recycled aluminium.

The research partnership with the American Georgia Institute of Technology, the Novelis Innovation Hub, focuses on materials and processes to help Novelis fulfill its goal of a net zero carbon footprint by 2050.

The extended cooperation will build on existing programs to accelerate the pace of innovation and to develop new generations of EV batteries, making use of aluminium to improve their performance. The extended programmes will target improved performance with higher amounts of recycled aluminium in batteries.

‘Our collaboration provides an exciting opportunity to accelerate our R&D and to boost the performance of EV batteries (energy density) and recyclability while lowering costs for automakers and battery manufacturers,’ says Philippe Meyer, chief technical officer of Novelis. ‘But we want to go beyond and partner closely with Georgia Tech to help transform our industry to reach committed objectives toward sustainability.’

These strategic programmes include circular economy solutions or de-carbonisation of the industrial footprint and promoting entrepreneurship and incubation of new ventures.

‘To keep advancing the aluminium industry toward the circular economy, we must increase the pace of innovation and develop new solutions that demonstrate aluminium’s superior sustainability benefits,’ says Raj Gopalaswamy, global technology director of new domains at Novelis.

‘Through research partnerships with world-leading institutions like Georgia Tech, we can fulfill the growing needs for aluminium applications that help our customers meet their sustainability goals faster and more efficiently.’

‘Collaboration between academia and industry will help speed the development of transformative solutions to meet the sustainability challenges we face today,’ adds Shreyes Melkote, executive director of the Novelis Innovation Hub.

‘We look forward to expanding our partnership with Novelis to address its critical scientific, technological and workforce needs by leveraging the wide-ranging expertise and talent of Georgia Tech faculty and students in sustainable technologies, advanced materials and manufacturing, artificial intelligence, data sciences and robotics.’