UNLV Startup Aims to Restore EV Battery Capacity

A new X-ray technology developed by professor Michael Pravica could restore up to 90 percent of lithium-ion battery life.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Close-up of a modular electric vehicle battery cell on a sterile metal workbench in a research lab. — UNLV startup X-Regen is developing X-ray technology to restore lithium-ion battery capacity, potentially reducing EV waste and replacement costs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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UNLV physics professor Michael Pravica founded the startup X-Regen, which utilizes X-ray technology to rejuvenate lithium-ion batteries by freeing trapped ions. The company aims to mitigate toxic waste and reduce the $20,000 cost associated with full battery replacements.

Why it matters

By restoring battery capacity rather than discarding units, this technology addresses the environmental challenge of toxic waste in electric vehicles. It also provides a significant economic incentive for drivers by potentially extending the lifespan of existing battery systems.

X-Regen reports its X-ray process can restore between 60 percent and 90 percent of original battery capacity. This method addresses hardware that can otherwise cost owners up to $20,000 to replace.

The players

Michael Pravica

He is a physics professor at UNLV who founded X-Regen to commercialize his battery regeneration research.

UNLV

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas serves as the primary site for the research and commercialization of this high-tech innovation.

National Science Foundation

This federal agency supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.

X-Regen

This startup, based in Las Vegas, is focused on developing X-ray technology to extend the life of lithium-ion batteries.

The details

The technology functions by applying hard X-rays to clear lithium ions trapped within microscopic battery fractures. Currently in the experimental research and development phase, the project is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development, and UNLV.

Pravica began developing the underlying science in 2011.
The Zero Labs Innovation Launchpad was completed by Pravica in January 2026.
A National Science Foundation grant for the project was announced in September 2026.
UNLV will receive $6 million in NSF funding over the next four years.

Roadmap

This research reflects the broader transition in the automotive industry toward sustainable battery lifecycle management. By moving beyond simple replacement models, these innovations position the EV sector to better manage the environmental footprint of lithium-ion technology.

Drivers may eventually avoid the significant $20,000 cost of a total battery pack replacement if this technology reaches the commercial market. The company plans to open a facility in Las Vegas to further develop and scale these capabilities for the public.

The takeaway

Advancements in battery restoration offer a promising path toward extending the life of electric vehicles while curbing environmental waste. Owners of EVs should continue to monitor developments from local research entities as this technology moves toward commercial readiness.