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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Kia’s electric crossover SUV is getting major improvements for 2025. The updated Kia EV6 has more range, a Tesla NACS charging port, sleek new styling, and fun new features. Watch the video below to see how the new virtual gear shift feature works.

Kia EV6 GT gains a virtual gear shift for 2025

After launching the EV6 nearly three years ago, Kia is already giving it a “significant refresh.” The 2025 EV6 was unveiled at the LA Auto Show last month with notable improvements.

One of the first things you will notice is the new front face. The refreshed EV6 follows Kia’s updated design theme, which is also seen on the larger EV9 and mass-market models like the EV3 and EV5. With sharper angles and smoother character lines, the new EV6 looks much more aggressive and sporty than the current model.

Inside, the EV6 features Kia’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) OS. The system includes a curved display with dual 12.3″ infotainment and driver cluster screens.

With a larger 84 kWh battery pack option, the new model is expected to have a range of 319 miles, up from 310 miles currently.

The top-spec GT trim now packs up to 641 hp (with GT Mode) and 568 lb-ft of torque. That’s even more than the 2024 EV6 GT (576 hp and 545 lb-ft torque), Kia’s “most powerful production vehicle ever,” with a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds.

Kia added new features to give its GT model that extra edge, including a new Virtual Gear Shift (VGS), like Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N. The new tech simulates the feeling of shifting gears with visuals and sound.

A new video from HealerTV gives us a closer look at how it works in action. The feature can be activated through the settings menu.

Once the VGS is active, you can already hear the exhaust-like sounds in the back. You can also see it simulating the feeling of shifting gears as the car revs up.

When you are active in GT mode, the motor, steering, and suspension will automatically adjust for maximum performance. However, in the new model, you can fine-tune the settings yourself.

Kia launched the updated EV6 GT in Korea last month. Its starting price, with incentives, is just over $50,000 (72.2 million won).

In the US, Kia will assemble the new EV6 at its Georgia plant alongside the three-row EV9. It will be available in Light, Light Long Range, Wind, GT-Line, and GT models. Prices will be revealed closer to launch, which is expected in the first half of 2025.