German initiative aims to make EV batteries better by combining AI and quantum sensing

Germany’s QuaLiProM project combines quantum sensing and AI to revolutionize how electric vehicle batteries are assessed for reuse and recycling, offering a faster and non-destructive evaluation method.

Project overview: The initiative aims to develop a rapid, non-destructive technique for evaluating the remaining power and service life of used lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles.

• The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, runs until November 30, 2026
• The research focuses on determining batteries’ State-of-Health (SoH), a key indicator of battery aging
• Traditional assessment methods are time-consuming and unable to identify localized defects

Technical innovation: The project employs advanced quantum sensing technology combined with artificial intelligence to revolutionize battery assessment procedures.

• Atomic magnetometry using diamond-based quantum sensors measures battery cells’ magnetic fields
• The non-destructive approach can detect defects, impurities, and charge states
• Deep learning AI analyzes magnetic field data to classify cells as healthy, degraded, or defective

Key partnerships: A consortium of German organizations brings diverse expertise to the project.

• Industrial Dynamics and Battery Dynamics contribute battery technology expertise
• Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) provides academic research support
• Nehlsen and Sekels offer recycling and materials expertise
• Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) brings manufacturing knowledge

Environmental impact: The technology addresses critical sustainability challenges in the electric vehicle industry.

• The method helps identify batteries suitable for second-life applications in less demanding contexts
• Integration into cell production and recycling processes improves resource efficiency
• Quick assessment capabilities could accelerate battery recycling and reuse programs

Future implications: The successful implementation of this technology could transform the electric vehicle battery lifecycle management industry while supporting sustainable practices.

• The project’s outcomes could establish new industry standards for battery assessment
• Faster evaluation methods may reduce costs and improve recycling efficiency
• The technology could help address growing concerns about battery waste as electric vehicle adoption increases