Electrive writes that ProjectLiB is the name of the spin-off and it aims to make battery recycling easier and more affordable for companies, which could do this on-site, if they deploy the team's small system. While the recycling process could be carried over to phones and laptops, since these use similar batteries to EVs, but as of right now, ProjectLiB will focus on electric mobility.

The project was launched by Jürgen Abraham, Tobias Kopp and Chris Pichle, who now work on improving the technology at the UniCorn start-up incubator. Kopp explains that "we can separate lithium, cobalt and nickel from the liquid electrolytes. Unlike existing processes, we can do this without heat."

The first potential customer was found south from Graz, as "battery prototypes for transport are being developed there", according to the researchers. "In future, the technology of ProtectLiB will enable the company to recycle these directly on site."

ProjectLiB officials said that, despite the fact that lithium batteries for EVs are being manufactured globally, these cells are being recycled locally, posing challenges depending on the technology used. Upcoming battery passports, which will demand more sustainable and circular cells, will also emphasize the importance of local production and especially recycling of used batteries, which is where the device developed at Graz could come in handy.