Automated assembly of Li-ion vehicle batteries: A feasibility study

Electric Vehicles (EVs) with rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries (Li-ion) are at the forefront of the global trend for lower-emission transportation and decarbonisation. Capable suppliers of Li-Ion battery assembly systems are essential for enabling automotive OEMs to scale up their Li-ion EV production to expected volumes. This paper details a feasibility study for Li-Ion battery assembly, developed for a traditional automotive supplier of niche production systems in order to enable them to enter the emerging lower carbon OEM supply chains. Through simulation modelling, the essential components of a reconfigurable and scalable EV Li-ion batteries assembly system with provision for disassembly are explored and a generic framework is proposed.