NUTAI takes part in the flagship project “HUB-dCO2: Decarbonization Hub for adaptive, modular, and multi-reference manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (VECs)”, under File Number VEC-01000-2022-7, aimed at revolutionizing the automotive industry through innovation and sustainability. This project, with a total budget of €174,417,221.77, focuses on establishing a center of excellence for decarbonization, promoting efficient and adaptable manufacturing of electric and connected vehicles (VECs).
Primary Project in Collaboration with Power Electronics Spain, SL
NUTAI and Power Electronics Spain, SL, have closely collaborated on the primary project “Design of a new productive process in a gigafactory, effective, efficient, and sustainable, for the production of pre-industrial batteries for electric vehicles”, with file number VEC-020100-2022-193. This project involves the experimental development of a gigafactory for electric vehicle batteries. NUTAI has a budget of €521,250 allocated for this innovative project, contributing to the total project budget of €2,019,944.
Project Overview
The project is in its final phase, focusing on the experimental development of a gigafactory for electric vehicle batteries. It emphasizes technical and economic innovation, leveraging both companies’ expertise in chemical research to advance battery manufacturing.
The main objective is to achieve significant technological advancement in mass battery production, beginning with the design of a flexible and modular pilot plant. Prototyping simulations will be conducted to identify strengths and weaknesses, laying a solid foundation for the future gigafactory.
The project includes the implementation of emerging technologies such as water-based slurries, infrared and microwave drying, cell pre-lithiation, new formation processes, continuous assembly, and the digitization of the assembly line through artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies aim to reduce costs, optimize timelines, manage real-time data, improve process and product quality, and recycle components from used batteries.
The project aims to flexibilize production to manufacture different types of cells, optimize energy consumption to reduce carbon footprint, eliminate harmful substances like NMP, and ensure quality and efficiency through real-time control and traceability systems.
Additionally, in December 2023, an internal training course titled “Training on the Technological Environment of Electric Vehicle Battery Manufacturing” was conducted. This training project, which is also part of the flagship project, aims to enhance workers’ skills. It is funded by Next Generation EU funds, within the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.
Challenges and Achievements
The project has encountered significant scientific challenges, particularly in processes such as pre-lithiation, cell formation, and aging. However, these challenges have been successfully overcome, optimizing resources and paving the way for the mass commercialization of electric vehicles.
We are proud to be part of this innovative and sustainable effort, which not only marks a milestone in electric vehicle battery manufacturing but also contributes significantly to decarbonization and sustainability in the automotive sector.
