From left, University of Michigan Dearborn – Haofeng Su, Rongheng Li, Wencong Su, Xuan Zhou. ReCharge ReCycling – Mike Maizland & Michael Czarnota. Flint IBEW – Rick Mason.
FLINT, MI – ReCharge ReCycling is proud to announce that it has been awarded as a subrecipient of a Critical Minerals Grant by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This grant will support a groundbreaking initiative to improve EV (electric vehicle) battery reuse technology as the foundation to construct a cutting-edge Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the IBEW Electrical Training Center in Flint, Michigan. EV batteries that are not suitable for reuse will be responsibly recycled through our partner Revex Technologies to recover critical minerals and reduce landfill waste in Michigan.
“This team of experts and innovators is making a meaningful impact on the future of critical minerals recovery in Michigan,”
said Matt Flechter, EGLE Recycling Market Development Specialist.
“ReCharge ReCycling has blossomed as a leader in the battery sector. We have enjoyed watching them grow from the early days of being a team in EGLE’s circular economy business incubator, NextCycle Michigan.”
Strengthening Michigan’s Clean Energy Future
As the lead institution on the project, the University of Michigan-Dearborn will oversee the development of a 500-kilowatt, grid-tied BESS using repurposed electric vehicle batteries. ReCharge ReCycling, as a subrecipient, will support the implementation by contributing expertise in sustainable battery reuse and recycling. Together, the team will also develop advanced automation technologies to improve battery disassembly and maximize the recovery of critical minerals. With the system installed at the IBEW Electrical Training Center in Flint, it will be evaluated for real-world performance, safety, and economic viability.
This project supports Michigan’s clean energy goals, reduces dependence on newly mined materials, and strengthens the state’s circular economy. It also reflects the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s commitment to advancing environmental sustainability, community engagement, and workforce development through applied research and hands-on learning opportunities.
“This project has the potential to significantly extend the life of used EV batteries,”
said Dr. Xuan Zhou, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UM-Dearborn and the lead PI on the project.
“We’re looking forward to collaborating with ReCharge ReCycling to help make Michigan a leader in EV battery recycling technology, with tremendous positive impacts for Michigan’s economy, for consumers, and for the environment.”
Core team members of the grant project inside ReCharge ReCycling’s battery testing laboratory.
Supporting the Flint Community
Located at the IBEW training center in Flint, the BESS project will:
● Create job and training opportunities for skilled trades and local students.
● Divert battery waste from Michigan landfills.
● Support local energy resilience and sustainability efforts.
“We’re honored to receive this funding from EGLE,”
said Mike Maizland, President and CTO of ReCharge ReCycling.
“This grant allows us to take meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable Michigan by closing the loop on EV battery life and investing in smart energy solutions.”
About the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
A BESS stores excess electricity—either from the grid or renewable sources—and releases it when energy demand is high. By using repurposed EV batteries, the BESS system will extend battery life and reduce the need for new material extraction, while helping to stabilize the grid and reduce emissions.
Timeline and What’s Next
Winter 2024 – Grant awarded
Spring 2025 – Battery pack testing and Machine Learning Algorithms developed
Fall of 2025 – Construction of BESS begins
Summer 2026 – BESS system demonstration at Flint IBEW
ReCharge ReCycling plans to expand its work by deploying additional energy storage systems across Michigan and further refining its automated battery reuse technology.
About ReCharge ReCycling
ReCharge ReCycling is a Michigan-based company focused on developing innovative solutions for battery testing, reuse, and energy storage. Through cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, ReCharge is driving the circular economy and supporting a cleaner energy future.
