Background Li-ion batteries have several important industrial applications, including for roaming applications, such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets etc., and for stationary applications (UPS - uninterruptible power supply, and ESS - energy storage system batteries). New applications in all-electric cars are now also emerging. Up until now, the development of Li-ion technology has largely focused on achieving optimum performance, but current manufacturing processes give rise to considerable environmental impacts: they require large amounts of copper and use a significant quantity of a dangerous solvent, NMP (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone). They are also energy intensive and produce emissions of greenhouse gases. It is, however, possible to reduce these impacts. In particular, energy consumption depends on the production location and local costs of energy; and certain solvents are more environmentally friendly than others (for example, water can be used instead of NMP as a solvent). Objectives The LIFE BIBAT project’s main aim is to pilot the production of a new generation of more environmentally friendly Li-ion batteries, based on a bipolar design. With a view to reducing energy and resource use in the Li-ion battery manufacturing processes, the project will combine two types of technological innovations: 1. Bipolar technology will be applied on a pilot scale and some new process steps will be explored (stacking, electrolyte filling,…); 2. Evolutions and optimisations of the processes will be tested in order to reduce the environmental impact of battery production (to minimise energy needs and eliminate the use of NMP and copper). The new processes will provide an ecological alternative to existing ones, by reducing nonrenewable energy needs by at least 60% and mineral resource needs by 70%. The innovative aspect of the project concerns the use of bipolar technology, whereby different battery cells are operated in parallel. This provides several technological and commercial advantages over conventional batteries, including: very low environmental impact; longer life cycle; higher power capability; improved safety; lower cost; and lower internal resistance, and can lead to many types of applications, such as in electric buses, trains, forklifts, automatic guided vehicles, port cranes, etc. Expected results: Based on its new architecture, the project will aim to: Reduce the global warming impact of Li-ion battery manufacturing by a factor of two; Reduce the negative impacts of the manufacturing processes on ecosystem quality by 50%; Reduce human toxicity caused by Li-ion battery manufacturing; Improve Li-ion battery life by a factor of two for micro-hybrid cars; and Increase micro-hybrid applications and related market opportunities.