The ALBATROSS project held the closing event on June 17^th at the 38^th Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition (EVS38).

Addressing key concerns such as range anxiety, charging times, and battery lifespan, ALBATROSS aimed to develop innovative battery pack designs that are lighter, charge faster, and offer an extended operational life. The project specifically targeted a 20% reduction in battery weight, a 25% decrease in charging time (achieving 20-80% charge in 30 minutes with 150 kW), and an extended battery life of up to 300,000 km, all while ensuring safety and incorporating solutions for second-life applications and easier recycling.

After over 4 years of research and development, the ALBATROSS project delivered an innovative battery system that combines high energy density, advanced thermal management, and enhanced safety. Key results include the design of compact modules using high-energy cylindrical cells, an efficient two-phase dielectric immersion cooling and heating system, and ultra-precise printed sensors for individual cell temperature control.

Technologies such as laser micro-texturing and a cloud-connected BMS enable continuous monitoring and management of battery State of Health, significantly reducing degradation and extending battery lifetime. Safety is further enhanced through the early detection of thermal runaway, allowing for proactive intervention before critical conditions arise. Additionally, a lightweight, crash-resistant pack structure was developed using a smart combination of composites and aluminium joined with advanced techniques. Overall, the project sets the foundation for a new generation of high-performance, safe, and sustainable battery systems ready for integration into next-generation electric vehicles.

IREC contributed to the project by developing advanced algorithms for estimating battery health and functionality, analysing the social impact of the battery pack, and defining second-life possibilities for retired batteries. These efforts were led by two departments: Energy Systems Analytics and Power Systems. To learn more about IREC’s contribution to the project, watch the following video:

The project brought together a consortium of 21 world-leading partners, including major industry players such as Yesilova Holding AS, Fiat-Chrysler, Ford and Mercedes-Benz Group; innovative European SMEs with cutting-edge technologies; and renowned research and technology organisations and universities.

Acknowledgements

This project has received funding from the European Union’s H2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 963580.