Renewcell is leading Southeast Asia’s battery circularity movement with a breakthrough in non-chemical regeneration. Using MacBatec’s pulse technology, Renewcell breathes second life into industrial batteries, doubling or even tripling their lifespan with just electricity. From forklifts to solar arrays, their tech slashes carbon emissions, cuts costs, and keeps critical power systems humming. And with real-time monitoring via their BattMama and BuggTrac platforms, Renewcell is making them smarter, longer-lasting, and radically more sustainable.
What sets Renewcell’s battery regeneration technology apart from other battery maintenance solutions currently available in the market?
Renewcell’s solution is one of the few in Southeast Asia that offers a complete circular ecosystem for industrial batteries. We offer a comprehensive solution for 2nd-life batteries, focusing on extending battery lifespan and improving monitoring thereafter. We use MacBatec’s de-sulfation technology, which applies controlled current pulses to rejuvenate battery cells, doubling or even tripling their lifespan without chemicals or water. This approach not only saves costs but also minimizes environmental impact. Their unique model combines regeneration, preventive maintenance, and IoT-based monitoring, which together improve performance and reduce battery waste
Can you explain how the MACBATEC technology works and why a chemical-free, electricity-powered regeneration process is a game-changer?
MacBatec’s advanced pulse regeneration technology to extend the lifespan of industrial batteries. This technology deploys carefully controlled electrical pulses to break down hardened lead sulfates that form during regular battery usage. These sulfates reduce battery capacity and increase internal resistance, leading to energy inefficiency. What makes this a game-changer is that the entire process is chemical-free and powered purely by electricity, eliminating the need for environmentally harmful chemical additives. This not only makes battery regeneration safer and more sustainable but also significantly reduces operational costs and environmental impact. The process can double the lifespan of batteries, making battery replacement far less frequent.
How does your BattMama or BuggTrac platform enhance battery monitoring, and what kind of real-time insights can users expect to gain from it?
BattMama is a cloud-based battery management system designed for real-time condition monitoring and preventive maintenance. Features include: Live battery health status IoT analytics and alerts Usage tracking and asset inventory Push notifications for anomalies or potential failure Trouble ticketing system (in development) to deploy technicians when alarms are triggered BuggTrac, on the other hand, is used specifically for electric buggies, offering GPS-enabled battery performance tracking for fleet optimization. These platforms empower users with predictive maintenance capabilities, optimize battery lifespan, and reduce unnecessary energy and operational expenditures.
How much environmental impact can be avoided by regenerating batteries versus replacing them — in terms of emissions, waste, and resource savings?
Since 2018, Renewcell has regenerated over 12,000 industrial batteries, preventing about 480 metric tonnes of end-of-life batteries from being discarded. This has avoided an estimated 500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Through regeneration, the lifespan of a battery is extended by at least 50%, reducing the need for new battery manufacturing and waste disposal by roughly one-third each. This not only cuts down material and energy usage but also mitigates waste and greenhouse gas emissions associated with mining and production of new batteries.
What does “battery circularity” mean to Renewcell, and how are you building a circular business model into your operations and services?
To us at Renewcell, “battery circularity” means designing a system where batteries are continuously regenerated, reused, repurposed, and redistributed—avoiding premature disposal. Our model focuses on: Extending battery lifespan through regeneration. Preventing battery failure via IoT-based monitoring (BattMama & BuggTrac). Providing affordable, reconditioned batteries at up to 80% lower cost than new units. This fully circular system reduces raw material demand, waste, and carbon footprint, supporting Malaysia’s transition to a sustainable energy economy. Non-repairable units are responsibly disposed of through regulated partners
You mentioned plans to expand nationwide with centers in Johor Bahru, Penang, and beyond. What’s your roadmap for scaling across Malaysia — and possibly regionally?
Our roadmap includes establishing new battery service centers in Johor Bahru and Penang, followed by expansion into Kemaman, Kota Kinabalu, and Bintulu. This network will shorten service lead times, particularly for large clients like GLCs and multinational companies with nationwide operations. Our vision includes mobile regeneration units for on-site services, enhancing access to remote or underserved areas.
Which industries or battery applications (e.g. forklifts, UPS, solar, MHE) are driving the most demand for your services right now?
Currently, demand is highest from sectors using: Forklifts and Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems Solar energy storage Rail transportation Oil & gas industries Buggies and fleet vehicles These industries see the value in cost savings, operational efficiency, and sustainability from extending battery life and improving reliability.
How do you approach partnerships with government agencies, GLCs, or private companies for battery lifecycle management and monitoring?
We actively collaborate with SMEs, industrial users, technology providers, and GLCs like TNB and RAPID RAIL to develop customized battery lifecycle management programs. This includes: Integrated service packages (regeneration + monitoring). Transparent performance reporting (including CO₂ savings reports). Aligning services with Malaysia’s environmental regulations and circular economy policies.
What are some barriers you’ve faced when trying to convince companies to adopt battery regeneration and predictive maintenance over simply replacing batteries?
Challenges include: Mindset barriers, with many companies preferring the familiar “procure, use, dispose” model. Initial setup costs and logistics for battery collection and regeneration. Lack of awareness about the cost and environmental benefits of regeneration. Technical resistance from companies uncertain about performance reliability compared to new batteries. We address these by offering cost savings proofs, CO₂ reports, trial services, and success case studies, demonstrating both economic and environmental advantages.
What’s your long-term vision for Renewcell? Do you see yourselves evolving into a key player in Asia’s sustainable energy storage ecosystem?
Our vision is to become a regional leader in circular energy storage solutions, expanding beyond Malaysia into Southeast Asia. Long-term goals include: Deploying next-generation regeneration technologies. Rolling out mobile regeneration units for remote service. Offering comprehensive battery lifecycle management platforms integrated with building and fleet management systems. Playing a pivotal role in helping industries and governments achieve sustainability and CO₂ reduction targets in energy storage. We aim to shape Asia’s circular economy in energy storage, delivering both economic and environmental value across the region.
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