Physical integration of hybrid and electric vehicle batteries at pack level aiming at increased energy density and efficiency

Deadline: Feb 1, 2017  
CALL EXPIRED

Topic Description

In order to make hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles fit for the mass market, the energy density and efficiency of battery packs need to increase so that this results in higher electric ranges. Besides research on advanced electro-chemistries, the integration of batteries primary cells into battery packs has a major role to play. Advanced physical integration technologies for high energy/power density battery packs should take into account safety and modularity aspects as well as related production and testing methods in order to maintain the strength of the European automotive supply industry in this area Even though the solutions for system integration depend on the properties of the cells and their control, the further development of electro chemical and battery management systems is not a subject of this call.

Proposals should address all the following aspects:

―Thermal, electrical and mechanical design of battery systems based on lithium and post lithium cells (if available on the market, excluding electrochemistry work) aiming at highly increased energy density and modularity.

―Design for manufacturing, recycling and second use.

―Prototyping and mass-production technologies for battery systems.

―Demonstration of performance, lifetime and safety behaviour including bench testing and demonstration under real life conditions in vehicles.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 5 and 7 million each would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Actions will result in:

―Energy density improvement of battery packs in the order of 15-20%

―Battery integration costs (excluding cell cost) reduced by 20 to 30%

―Strengthening the EU value chain, from design and manufacturing to dismantling and recycling.

―Contributing to climate action and sustainable development objectives