The Battery Component Readiness Level (BC-RL) framework: A technology-specific development framework

Greenwood Matthew, Wrogemann Jens, Schmuch Richard, Jang Hwamyung, Winter Martin, Leker Jens

Abstract

Government investment constitutes a large portion of overall investment in research and development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and other future battery technologies with the goal of electrifying the transportation sector and so removing a major source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Poor investments, however, can result in taxpayer funding losses and political backlash, making clear communication and informed decision-making critical. This manuscript presents the Battery Component Readiness Level scale, an overhauled version of the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale currently utilized by the EU for innovation programs that has been customized for use in battery technology development. It retains the structure of the EU TRL scale while adding in-depth description of technology-specific development as well as discussion of aspects such as manufacturability and cost that are necessary to understand technological promise and risk. Its use by the EU and other parties involved in battery development can thus improve communication between all involved sectors, from government to academia to industry, and can aid in better-informed decision-making regarding investments. This can ultimately contribute to a more efficient electrification of the transportation sector and any other sectors where batteries display transformative potential.