The fifth edition of our webinar series Short Circuit brought together industry experts to discuss the battery trading and repurposing for second-life applications. Hosted by Maximillian Renner (EIT Urban Mobility), the webinar featured a high-level presentation by William Bergh (Founder and CEO, Cling Systems), and a panel discussion moderated by Olamilekan Olugbayila, (Bax), featuring key experts in the field.
Presentation: “Overview of Battery Trading and Marketplace Trends”
William Bergh outlined the economic opportunities and practical challenges in the battery trading ecosystem, noting that unused or “idle” batteries—including cells, modules, and packs—represent an estimated $20 billion in value worldwide. He emphasised that while demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is surging—particularly in China—many producers currently face a mismatch between high supply and lower-than-forecasted demand, leading to an oversupply of batteries.
Key takeaways from Tillmann's presentation:
1. Market Dynamics
- Surplus of new and idle battery stock has driven down prices for lithium, nickel, and cobalt, and pushed pack prices down by around 20%.
- Sellers holding onto unsold inventory risk additional costs (capital, warehousing, labour, compliance) and quickly depreciating assets.
2. Complexity of Battery Transactions
- Trading involves protracted negotiations, testing, and documentation. Deals often take months to close, hindered by fragmented communication and inconsistent data.
- Cling Systems seeks to streamline transactions via a new platform solution that automates and simplifies paperwork and compliance.
3. Second Life and Recycling Outlook
- With lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries on the rise, second-life repurposing competes directly with increasingly affordable first-life alternatives.
- Despite regulatory and economic hurdles, second life and reuse markets remain central to achieving the broader circularity of the battery value chain.
4. Solution in Development
- Cling Systems is piloting a comprehensive end-to-end trading tool to remove friction and ensure compliance - the goal is to integrate data, automate required documents, and facilitate safer, faster trades.
Insights from the panel: Battery Trading & Repurposing for Second-Life Applications
The panel discussion, moderated by Bax Innovation Consultant Olamilekan Olugbayila, featured experts including:
- William Bergh (CEO, Cling Systems)
- Aaron Wade (Business Development Lead, Gaussion)
- Prins Doornekamp (Founder & CEO, NOWOS)
- Elias Neumann (Project Manager, LogBATT)
The conversation explored the economic viability and market trends, supply chain and logistics hurdles, technical and safety considerations, and the impact of regulations on battery trading and repurposing.
1. Economic Viability & Market Trends
Panellists acknowledged that the current oversupply of new batteries makes it difficult for second-life packs to compete on price. Despite this, second-life viability is not negated—there remain potential niche markets, and demand is growing for repair and repurposing in many regions. Aaron Wade explained that extending the first life of batteries can delay the supply of end-of-life packs needed for second-life applications. However, this is balanced by ongoing developments in EV adoption and the emergence of niche markets requiring refurbished or repurposed packs.
2. Supply chain and logistics
On the Complex Paperwork & Fragmented Stakeholders – the panel mentioned that trade documentation, ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) compliance, and hazardous waste classifications complicate battery transportation. William Bergh illustrated how Cling Systems’ new platform aims to automate these steps, reducing the typically lengthy and manual process.
Also, the transport & packaging challenges - Elias Neumann noted that shipping used and damaged batteries poses a high risk, requiring specialised packaging, sensors, and labeling. Adding that the differences in local and EU regulations increase complexity further—particularly for cross-border shipments.
3. Technical and safety considerations
On Battery Chemistry Variations - Prins Doornekamp highlighted that the differing battery chemistries and designs complicate repair and repurposing efforts. While LFP batteries offer improved cycle life and stability, their recycling pathways differ from nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) packs, and recycling costs can be higher.
On the subtopic comparing (Repair vs. Recycling) - the Panel generally agreed that prioritising reuse and repair is typically best for cost-efficiency and circular economy goals. However, the point at which repair is no longer viable or cost-effective varies considerably and hinges on battery health, local labour costs, and regulatory constraints.
4. Highlights from the audience Q&A
- Recycling Liabilities: Whether the original OEM or the second-life integrator assumes end-of-life responsibilities depends on evolving regulations and contract stipulations. The panel agreed the battery passport could resolve many ambiguities.
- Cross-Border Transport : While cross-border battery shipments are feasible, they require complex notification procedures and compliance with unique local legislations—a challenge magnified when transporting large volumes of end-of-life or damaged packs.
- Balancing Second-Life & Recycling Content Requirements : The panel discussed the tension between the EU’s recycled content quotas and the desire to keep batteries in service longer. This conflict may lead to future policy adjustments that better reconcile second-life utilisation with material recovery targets.
The session underscored the growing importance of second-life battery trading and the significant hurdles still facing the ecosystem: oversupply of new packs, burdensome paperwork, regulatory uncertainty, and the lack of consistent data formats. Nonetheless, solutions are emerging—from new digital platforms that automate trading processes to the introduction of standardised battery passports.
What are your thoughts? We'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us.
You can rewatch the recording of the session on the Battereverse Community platform.
REGISTER FOR THE NEXT SHORT CIRCUIT: Our next webinar on Battery Repurposing use cases will take place on Tuesday May 20th!
