Digital Twin-Driven Circular Product Design: A Framework for Lifecycle Optimisation of Electric Vehicle Batteries

Electric Vehicle Batteries are critical to achieving the decarbonisation agenda, however, the manufacturing phase of Electric Vehicle battery (EVBs) carries a significant environmental burden. Current end-of-life (EoL) treatment of EVBs is unsustainable, causing resource scarcity and environmental harm. The recycling of EVBs at the EoL is challenging due to its various components. Although EVBs are now being repurposed for storage use in homes and factories, the strategies to continuously keep them in the circular loop are not well explored, thus, most of them still end up in the landfill after their EoL. Furthermore, the current design of EVBs restricts their disassembling at their EoL, thus, contributing to the existing burden of recycling.
This PhD research explores the use of Digital Twin (DT) to capture Circular Indicators (CIs) at the EoL of EVBs and provide Circular Design strategies for both manufacturers and users. Recent research in the application of DT architecture to inform circular design of EVBs are mostly centred around EVB management and storage [1]. Furthermore, research in the application of CIs for redesign of EVBs is at infancy [2] and has not addressed the integration of DT to capture the suitable CIs for the circular redesign of EVBs. This PhD will push the boundaries and provide the foundation for further work in EVB redesign.

[1] Alamin, K. S. S., Chen, Y., Macii, E., Poncino, M., & Vinco, S. (2025). Advancing Electric Vehicle Battery Management: A Data-Driven Digital Twin Approach for Real-Time Monitoring and Performance Enhancement. IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology.

[2] Picatoste, A., Justel, D., & Mendoza, J. M. F. (2025). Circular design criteria and indicators for the sustainable life cycle management of electric vehicle batteries. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 56, 182-206.

This project includes a bursary to cover home or international tuition fees. 

Please note that the successful candidate will be responsible for any costs relating to moving to Birmingham and/or visiting the Aston campus. International students must meet the financial requirements for the visa, flights, and NHS Surcharge. Applicants should be confident that they can meet these costs before applying.

Further information can be found here: Financial Requirements | Aston University

PhD programmes are for those who are seeking to develop greater in-depth knowledge in a specific area. Completing this level of study is about making an original contribution to knowledge, making new discoveries and developing lifelong skills. 

At Aston University, our Engineering and Physical Sciences PhD programmes will provide all the support and facilities you will need to develop into a leading researcher in your chosen field.  You will be welcomed into a supportive community with a shared enthusiasm for original research, where diversity and multidisciplinary is championed.

Main Supervisor: Dr Martins Obi

Associate Supervisor: Dr Yu Jia

For formal enquiries about this project, please contact: m.obi1@aston.ac.uk or y.jia1@aston.ac.uk

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:
•    A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1. 
OR 
•    A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1, and a Masters degree in a relevant subject with an award of Merit or higher.
Qualifications from other countries which are considered by Aston University to be equivalent to that described above will be eligible to apply.

Essential criteria:
•    Good Coding Skill and willing to evolve them along the journey. 
•    Basics on IP networking
 

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include: 

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
    
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count. 
    
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience. 
    
4. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary. 
    
5. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage. 
    
6. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.  
 

Studying a PhD is great route into academia and industries that are centred on research and innovation. Areas with a demand for very high level and specialised research skills often demand PhDs.

In addition to this specialist knowledge, PhD education will help you to develop a set of valuable transferrable skills. The very nature of studying an intensive research degree will enable you to become a team player, develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and advanced presentation and communication skills.

The variety of PhD project topics at Aston means that the destinations of our graduates vary substantially. Some choose to continue into academia, at either Aston or other leading institutions, while others go onto use their newly acquired skills in a range of research, healthcare, industry or charitable fields. When selecting your chosen PhD path at Aston, your supervisor will be able to provide you with relevant career opportunities that could be available to you in your specialist area.