COOKEVILLE, TN—Tennessee Tech University has been awarded a nearly $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of a $45 million initiative to advance electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling. Led by Pingen Chen, associate professor of mechanical engineering, the project will develop a mobile preprocessing hub to simplify and improve battery recycling at local collection sites. This innovation aims to create a sustainable, circular economy by extracting and reusing valuable raw materials from used batteries.

Chen, a longtime proponent of EV technology, has previously led initiatives to increase EV adoption and charging station availability, particularly in rural areas. His work is rooted in a vision of EVs reducing transportation costs for underserved communities.

The project includes contributions from several Tech faculty members, including Stephen Canfield, known for his collaborative robotics expertise and commitment to involving students in hands-on research. This aligns with Tech’s broader mission to expand research opportunities and serve Tennessee’s communities.

This grant builds on Tennessee Tech’s success in securing record-setting federal research funding, including an additional $1 million for expanding EV infrastructure in Chattanooga and Nashville. The initiative highlights the university's role in addressing significant challenges while fostering student growth and regional innovation.