Bachelor and Master Theses

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries represent a cornerstone of the clean energy transition. However, their complex lifecycle—from production and first use to second-life applications and recycling—presents technical, economic, and environmental challenges. Digital servitization offers a pathway to address these challenges by integrating digital technologies and service-oriented business models across the battery lifecycle. By systematically identifying and mapping digital services at each stage—first life (in-vehicle use), second life (repurposing), and recycling (material recovery)—it is possible to unlock new value streams, extend battery utility, and promote circularity in the EV ecosystem.

Research Aim and question
This research aims to identify, map, and analyze the potential digital services that can be deployed across the EV battery lifecycle. The study seeks to provide a comprehensive framework that supports innovative service offerings, enhances resource efficiency, and promotes sustainable practices across first life, second life, and recycling stages.

RQ: What are the potential digital services that can be implemented across the EV battery lifecycle, and how can they be mapped to maximize value, resource efficiency, and sustainability?

Research setting and research group 

The research work will be performed in the framework of Circul8 (Smart Battery Circularity) and SmartCharg (Smart and Circular Battery Charging Solutions). You can search the projects on MDU webpage for more information. This thesis work will be part of the research group DigiCircle (Digital and Circular Industrial Services). The group is currently leading research projects on battery circularity, digital and circular business models, digital servitization, and circular ecosystems with more than 10 industrial companies, public funded companies, municipalities, and industrial clusters. Your thesis work will be used as a knowledge development as part of the group and will be used in the relevant courses, projects or publications upon completion. 

Education in one of these areas (Industrial engineering and management, product development, innovation management, business management, product and process development, energy engineering and management) and familiar with circular economy, business models, Industry 4.0 or digital transformation.