A Load of Questions, one Answer: Innovation Lab

Among all the questions surrounding electric mobility and the associated lithium-ion batteries, InnoLogBat has identified a total of six questions (and also provided the answers) that address the biggest obstacles, from production and shipping to future drivers:

1. What is essential for making processes, data formats, and interfaces efficient and smooth?

Before a new electric car can finally hit the roads, countless processes relating to the storage, transport, and packaging of the batteries have to be completed. These processes are currently not clearly regulated at either national or international level. The solution seems clear: the implementation of a uniform standard for generating, storing, and forwarding data. This is the only way to enable cooperation between industry, authorities, and scientific institutions.

2. Clear traceability of goods flows and data

Once communication relating to transport processes has been ensured through the implementation of standards, the transparency of the data generated must still be taken into account. Not only does its availability play a role, but its timeliness and validity must also be clearly regulated in order to make all processes secure and efficient. To enable this throughout the entire transport process and for all stakeholders, the digital battery passport was developed by InnoLogBat. It provides information on the condition, origin, and safety of batteries in a standardized and technically simple and accessible manner. This ensures that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which otherwise lack resources and access to this data, are also involved.

3. Measures taken in logistics to prevent disruptions, damage, or risks in advance 

One of the biggest concerns surrounding e-mobility is the safety of the technologies used. Lithium-ion batteries can be potentially dangerous, for example due to an increased risk of fire or the release of toxic gases if standardization processes and early warning systems are not used correctly. A prevention system has been developed for this purpose, based on realistic scenarios and backed up by theoretical lessons. The aim is to train employees in such a way that they not only learn the technical and theoretical background, but are also able to react appropriately and quickly in emergency situations.

4. What is the term for the ability of different systems or components to work together seamlessly?

From a small bubble car to a fast sports car or a compact car to an SUV – choosing a new car is so much fun, especially because of the huge selection available. However, the types of batteries are just as diverse as the car models. These vary in size, weight, and performance to suit the car. However, this diversity makes it difficult to achieve a circular economy due to the limited compatibility of batteries. The solution developed by InnoLogBat is based on a track-and-trace system: by tracking batteries throughout their entire life cycle and offering incentives for returns, the recycling process could be promoted until a closed loop is finally achieved.

5. Another word for reusing

“Design for recycling“ describes a concept in which the recycling process is considered right from the development stage. In order to develop a self-sustaining cycle, new battery types must be designed in such a way that they are as easy as possible to dismantle and recycle. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) can help to generate data and optimize future designs. The rapid developments surrounding the various battery types require continuous market analysis in order to keep pace with the rapid developments, especially with regard to new technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells or diversified cell chemistry.

6. What do we call the time that has not happened yet?

In the phase of the research project “Innovation Laboratory for Battery Logistics in E-Mobility“ completed in early 2025, Fraunhofer IML, together with Leipzig University, the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) and Remondis Industrie Service, Rhenus Automotive, and Mercedes-Benz Energy, developed these innovative logistics concepts for a sustainable recycling management system for lithium-ion batteries. Due to the rapid development of this industry, the concepts will have to be continuously adapted in the future. But one thing is already certain: the solution to the puzzle of the future remains the innovation laboratory.