Prometheus
“Bringing power to the user by refurbushing old electric vehicle batteries.”
University project – Group work
Master Variant for Engineers – Sustainability
Duration: 25 days
Circularity – Service design
“70% battery capacity is left at the end of use in the EVs”. An improved life cycle of lithium batteries is the key to to make the electrical vehilce economy circular instead of linear. Therefore, a new packaging unit is designed that extends the life expectancy of lithium batteries.
The prolongment of product’s lifespan results into less implications for the environment and a decreased need and production for brand new storage units. The strongest point in the circular economy is how the user is empowered towards making sustainable decisions and taking responsibility for his/her actions.
The current environmental impact of electric vehicles
The manufacturing of electric vehicles creates almost twice the emissions compared to a fuel car manufacturing. In time, EVs are more sustainable, but to reach the break even point a consumer must use the electric car for approximately 9 years. A battery’s efficiency is considerably reduced after a period of 7-10 years for passenger EVs. The EV industry is working on future improvements, but what about the EVs being produced up till now and until then?
Total emissions against total mileage for current and improved electric vehicles.
The EV journey and the sustainable value along its lifetime.
Envisioned Battery Lifecycle & Product
The proposed system provides a sustainable solution, that is actually economically beneficial. Based on the research for this project, it is expected that the repurposed batteries will cost less than the existing ones for the same cause. Sustainability does not need to cost.
Product superiorities: lightweight, cost-effective, adaptable and sustainable.
