UK-based clean technology group Altilium and second-life battery energy storage system developer Connected Energy have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at extending the lifecycle of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Connected Energy specializes in designing and developing energy storage systems using second-life EV batteries, while Altilium focuses on recycling end-of-life EV batteries and manufacturing scrap to produce low-carbon cathode active materials (CAM) for reuse in new batteries. Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate to create sustainable business models for repurposing and recycling EV batteries.
The partnership also aims to establish industry-wide standards for responsible repurposing and recycling protocols, adhering to waste hierarchy principles of reuse, repurpose and recycle.
Repurposing EV batteries for use in stationary systems can extend their life by up to ten years, providing environmental and circular economy benefits. Once these batteries reach the end of their second life, they can be recycled, allowing the critical minerals to be recovered for reuse in the production of new batteries, thus ensuring valuable resources remain within the UK supply chain.
Altilium has already received its first batch of batteries from Connected Energy, which will be processed at Altilium’s recycling facilities in Devon. Using its EcoCathode recycling process, Altilium can recover more than 95% of battery metals, including lithium, in a format that can be directly reused in new battery production. This process also results in a 60% reduction in carbon emissions and 20% lower costs compared to using virgin materials, supporting the production of more affordable and environmentally friendly EVs.
Connected Energy’s storage systems are deployed across the UK and Europe for various applications, including supporting EV charging hubs, reducing energy bills, balancing the grid and maximizing returns on solar arrays. By giving EV batteries a second life, EV manufacturers and other battery owners can further monetize their batteries for several years before they are recycled. Through this collaboration, the companies say the plant will have the capacity to recycle waste batteries from 150,000 EVs annually, producing 30,000 metric tons of CAM.
Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy, added: “Over the next five years, we will see a rapid increase in the availability of used EV batteries. As an industry, it is critical that we work together to ensure that we move batteries through the value chain in a way that minimizes their environmental impact whilst maximizing their financial value. This collaboration is an important step in creating a model for true battery circularity.”
Both companies are also involved in a £30.1m Nissan-led project, supported by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, which aims to enhance the UK’s capabilities in EV battery reuse, recycling and grid balancing.