Scientists are advancing the development of self-healing batteries as part of the EU-funded PHOENIX initiative, which aims to address battery degradation—a significant barrier to the longevity and widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). These innovative batteries are designed to diagnose and repair internal damage, potentially doubling their lifespan and reducing their carbon footprint. This research not only targets enhanced battery life but also seeks to improve performance, supporting the transition toward sustainable transportation and the European Union’s zero-emission goals for new cars by 2035.
The PHOENIX project involves a collaborative effort among researchers from Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Italy, focusing on creating a sophisticated system of internal sensors that goes beyond the traditional Battery Management Systems (BMS). Current BMS typically monitor basic safety parameters, such as temperature, voltage, and current. The PHOENIX system, however, is designed to provide comprehensive data, detecting physical swelling, generating internal heat maps, and identifying specific gases, thereby offering an early warning of potential battery damage.
When the battery determines that a repair is needed, the system activates healing mechanisms. This could involve reshaping the battery or applying targeted heat to initiate self-repair processes. Researchers are investigating various methods for these repairs, including the application of heat to reform chemical bonds and the use of magnetic fields to dismantle harmful metallic growths known as “dendrites,” which can lead to short circuits.
Recent strides in the project were marked in March 2025, when prototypes of the sensor and trigger systems were distributed to partners for testing on battery pouch cells, moving the initiative closer to validating the technology’s effectiveness. The researchers also aspire to create next-generation batteries with higher energy densities, testing silicon for battery anodes, which has the potential to store significantly more energy than conventional graphite.
This self-healing technology could not only extend battery life but also enhance performance, leading to lighter electric vehicles with greater ranges. Furthermore, the initiative addresses the rising demand for EVs while aiming to decrease dependence on critical raw materials like lithium and nickel. While the introduction of sensors does increase production costs, the team is working diligently to optimize the technology for economic feasibility, striving to merge all components effectively to revolutionize the EV battery landscape.