On today’s energizing episode of  Quick Charge, judges rule that Montana’s companies owe their kids a cleaner future, the Dacia Sandero looks set to overtake the Tesla Model Y in the European sales race, and a bunch of other stuff.

We’ve also got two brand-new, zero-emission Honda EVs set to debut at the CES show in January, a new and better way to recycle electric car batteries developed by BMW, and a massive new solar project being bankrolled by Walmart.

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Toyota just got a $4.5 million boost from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to make EV batteries more sustainable.

The funding comes from ARPA-E’s CIRCULAR program, which focuses on creating a sustainable, domestic supply chain for EV batteries.

The project, led by Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA), aims to tackle one of the EV industry’s biggest challenges: What do we do with old batteries?

Right now, disassembling battery packs and figuring out which parts can be reused or recycled is a slow, manual, and costly process. Toyota, teaming up with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Baker Hughes’ Waygate Technologies, is working to change that.

Building the battery recycling center of the future

The project will focus on resolving the primary bottlenecks in the battery supply chain cycle, which are automating battery pack disassembly, data-driven battery classification, and addressing cell degradation. Think of it as a high-tech recycling center where every part of a used battery is carefully evaluated.

This approach could extend the life of valuable battery materials, reducing waste and the need to mine new resources. The ultimate goal? A blueprint for what Toyota calls a “3R facility of the future” – a place to reduce, reuse, and recycle batteries on an industrial scale.

Nik Singh, principal scientist at TRINA and principal investigator on this project, says the project could reshape how the industry approaches battery recycling:

This project and program will highlight avenues for everyone to rethink their approach to battery circularity, and help prioritize the extension of battery life, facilitate battery reuse, and reduce battery waste.

Tech innovations to close the loop

The team’s plan includes:

• Automated battery pack disassembly to speed up the recycling process.
• Advanced diagnostic tools to assess the condition of battery cells and modules.
• Refabrication methods to turn old cells into new energy systems.

The payoff? Batteries that are reused and refurbished first – recycling becomes the last resort.

Marm Dixit, leading ORNL’s contributions, points out the environmental benefits. “By extending the life of the battery components, we reduce their total emissions per mile. That’s a big deal for the role EVs can play in the energy transition,” Dixit said.

NREL’s role will involve cutting-edge tech like machine learning and imaging using nano computed tomography to analyze the health and lifespan of batteries quickly. Baker Hughes’ Waygate Technologies will bring its expertise in non-destructive testing with advanced imaging systems.

Toyota’s Battery Lifecycle Solutions (BLS) team plans to take these innovations from the lab to real-world applications. “By applying the innovations established from this project, we aim to create a framework that not only reduces battery waste but also enhances the circularity of our battery supply chain,” said Sarah Kennedy, BLS manager, who is leading the technology to market deployment.

Read more: EV batteries may last up to 40% longer than expected – Stanford

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Ampion Renewable Energy has brought five community solar farms in Maine online, adding nearly 25 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to the grid annually and generating over 28 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity.

Located in Franklin (main photo), Aroostook, Penobscot, and Washington Counties, these solar farms serve customers in Versant Power and Central Maine Power territories. Residential households and businesses that subscribe will save up to 15% on their electricity bills while supporting Maine’s transition to clean energy.

Nate Owen, CEO of Ampion, grew up in Maine and founded Ampion in Bar Harbor in 2014. “Community solar is an invaluable state program that provides Mainers with many benefits,” Owen said. “It bolsters the local economy, improves grid resilience, and is available to all types of electricity consumers.”

Ampion has signed 1,700 households and 70 businesses to these new community solar projects. The company will also handle billing and customer care for the next 20 years. Ampion manages subscriptions for 48 community solar projects in Maine, amounting to over 215 MW. The company is growing its Maine workforce to support this expansion, with about 10% of its employees already based in the state.

Ampion is also partnering with local organizations, like The Highlands, a senior living community in Topsham. “We feel good about supporting local jobs and helping to make more clean energy available to the grid, all while helping our community members save money on electricity,” said Troy Chapman, operations director at The Highlands.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, as of Q3 2024, Maine had 1415 MW of solar installed and has a growth projection of 1581 MW of solar over the next five years.

Read more: Walmart and Nexamp are rolling out 31 solar farms in 5 states

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