FutureBat 

The transition to electric mobility is accelerating across Europe, especially in urban fleets and municipal services. However, current battery systems remain a major bottleneck: they are often imported, non-repairable, and both costly and difficult to recycle, thus increasing the total cost of ownership (TCO) and environmental impact. 

FutureBat seeks to address this challenge by introducing a modular, swappable, non-welded battery system designed for easy maintenance, repairability and compliance with the upcoming EU Battery Regulation. Unlike conventional batteries, the system allows for cell-level replacement without specialised equipment, thereby extending battery lifespan and facilitating second-life applications and easier recycling. 

The project focuses on integrating the battery into a commercial electric vehicle platform developed by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) producing over 20,000 vehicles per year. The solution will be tested in real-world conditions with a fleet operator in Northern Italy to validate performance, usability and economic benefits. 

The main objective is to demonstrate that a serviceable and modular battery system can significantly reduce TCO, improve operational efficiency and achieve state-of-the-art recyclability. The project also aims to prove that it can be scaled across different vehicle types and urban contexts. 

Inspired by the need for European supply chain independence and circular economy principles, FutureBat is expected to contribute to more sustainable, accessible and cost-efficient urban mobility systems.