In the context of the growing green mobility movement and the rapid rise in electric vehicle (EV) adoption across many countries—particularly in Latin America—a major challenge has emerged: how to manage the increasing volume of used lithium-ion EV batteries in an effective, safe, and sustainable way. This is precisely the problem that BATx, a pioneering startup in EV battery recycling, is working to solve through technology.
BATx was founded on the observation that up to 70% of EV batteries in Latin America are discarded prematurely, despite still retaining significant usable capacity. Recognizing this untapped potential, the BATx’s team focused from the outset on researching and developing technologies to process used batteries and convert them into affordable energy storage systems. These repurposed systems can serve various applications—from household and industrial use to powering off-grid rural areas, where the demand for clean and sustainable energy is high but often goes unmet due to high infrastructure costs and lack of access.
Instead of producing new batteries, a process that is costly and heavily reliant on resource-intensive extraction, BATx chose a circular economy model centered on reuse. The startup developed a proprietary technical process to evaluate the condition of used battery cells, sort and treat the functional ones, and reconfigure them into new energy storage systems. This approach has proven highly effective—reducing energy storage costs by up to 40%, saving more than 80 MWh of electricity, reusing over 10 tons of hazardous waste, and cutting more than 246 tons of CO₂ emissions in a relatively short period.
Compared to traditional battery disposal methods—such as landfilling or incineration—BATx’s solution is significantly more proactive, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, by repurposing existing batteries, BATx helps shorten the supply chain for raw materials like lithium and cobalt, which are increasingly scarce and environmentally damaging to extract.
What sets BATx apart is its pragmatic approach tailored to Latin America’s realities. Instead of high-cost, high-complexity technologies, BATx prioritizes low-cost, easily deployable systems that can be implemented locally, create jobs in underserved communities, and leverage existing energy distribution networks. This has enabled the startup to scale quickly, forming partnerships with non-profits and renewable energy companies to deploy its solutions across more regions. The BATx model delivers not only economic value but also contributes meaningfully to a just energy transition—ensuring that even off-grid communities gain access to clean electricity.
At the P4G Vietnam Summit 2025, BATx showcased its EV battery reuse solution within the startup exhibition area, drawing interest from both domestic and international organizations. The event offered the startup valuable exposure and the opportunity to connect with investors and potential partners through P4G’s investment matchmaking program—paving the way for cross-border collaboration and international market expansion.
Rather than chasing complicated or high-end technologies, BATx focuses on accessible, practical solutions that generate tangible community impact. Its presence at global events like P4G also highlights the importance of strategic networking in advancing clean tech innovation. A good solution must not only be technically sound, but also presented to the right people, in the right place, at the right time.
For other founders pursuing environmentally focused tech startups, BATx offers a compelling case study: success is not always about having the most disruptive idea. It often lies in the ability to patiently refine the technology, deeply understand the local context, and effectively tap into the ecosystem that supports innovation.
