IA will perform diagnostics of these parts to reuse them and contribute to energy sustainability.
The transition to electric mobility and renewable energies has given rise to a new challenge in the industry: the reuse of lithium batteries, which are essential for electric cars and energy storage systems. Researchers at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Miguel Torres and Jorge Gómez are working on seek solutions to extend the useful life of these batteries, contributing to the country's energy sustainability.with the collaboration of Professor Claudio Burgos, from the Universidad de O'Higgins (Chile).
In 2024, around 26 million electric cars were on the road worldwide, and by 2025 this figure is projected to exceed 35 million units worldwide. This rapid increase generates a growing demand for battery reuse solutions that could extend battery life and reduce the amount of e-waste.
We are using advanced AI models, through microcontrollers, to analyze data from used batteries and predict their remaining capacity, thus optimizing their potential second life. With this technology, these elements can be better utilized before they are discarded or recycled.
Chile has experienced a steady growth in the adoption of this type of vehicle and according to data from the Chilean Association of Automobile Manufacturers (ANAC), in 2024 there were more than 30,000 electric cars circulating in the country.
"Batteries in electric vehicles wear out over time, and when no longer in use, still retain significant capacity that can be put to other uses. After their application in cars, trucks, buses, e-bikes, motorcycles and scooters, among others, they can be reconditioned to store energy in backup systems, such as in homes or commercial facilities. Once removed from the vehicles, they lack information about their internal condition, which hinders their reuse, which becomes the key to successful reuse," explains Miguel Torres, who obtained funding through a Fondef project to continue this line of research.
One of the The main innovation in this field is the ability to combine batteries of different origins and states, which is achieved through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms that allow the integration of batteries that, although not identical, have compatible characteristics. "We are using advanced AI models, through microcontrollers, to analyze data from used batteries and predict their remaining capacity, thus optimizing their possible second life. With this technology, these elements can be better used before being discarded or recycled," says Jorge Gómez, a UANDES researcher participating in the project.
"The international impact of this research translates into a contribution, with system control techniques, that allows us to better manage batteries of different capacities and states of health, while at the same time - as a whole - providing the service of energy storage, extending their second life. At the local level, we hope to create a device that provides a better use for batteries that are discarded from electromobility applications in the local market", adds Torres. He explains that the tests are being carried out with small batteries from scooters, and that these advances will be scaled up to larger and more powerful batteries, such as those used in electric trucks, which will have a significant impact on the heavy transport industry.
To review the paper on this research, click here.