Repair e-bike batteries instead of throwing them away

Günther came up with his business idea thanks to a tip from a patent lawyer friend. Motto: "Why throw away when you can repair?" Since then, the founder and his team have had a mission that is clearly distinct from the concept of a throwaway society: They give e-bike batteries a second life.

Little by little, Liofit has expanded its portfolio and helped numerous e-bike and pedelec riders. This includes its own test stations for fault diagnosis, electronic repairs (battery management system), battery calibration, cell replacement and the establishment of its own development department, which develops innovative repairs for typical battery fault codes. An important milestone followed in 2022, when Liofit set up a recycling line for used batteries in addition to repair. The integrated mechanical shredding process is intended to significantly increase recycling rates compared to older blast furnace processes.

For this "Important Project of Common European Interest" in the battery sector ("Battery IPCEI"), the Kamenz-based company received special funding from the federal government and the Free State of Saxony. 30 percent of the funding from the IPCEI-EuBatIn project is financed by the Free State. "The project will run until 2027 and will enable us, among other things, to set up the R&D department and develop a pilot plant for recycling in the new building," explains Marketing Manager Susan Beulig.

In the meantime, Liofit is investing around three million euros in a new 1000 m² building to double its capacity. Economics Minister Dirk Panter personally handed over the funding notification for 1.38 million euros. The funds come from the Circular Economy Directive of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and from state funds. With this support, Saxony is recognizing the company as an important source of innovation and expertise for the bike and recycling industry. The expansion project is not only a commitment to the Kamenz location, but also an important response to the increasing importance of the circular economy and sustainability in the wake of growing e-mobility. With the new hall, Liofit not only wants to expand its capacities, but also create modern jobs and drive forward research and development. The new domicile is designed to be CO2-neutral and uses the residual energy from the old lithium cells for the production process. The company is thus sending out a strong signal for forward-looking ideas and entrepreneurial courage in Lusatia, with an impact far beyond the region.