Altilium, a UK-based clean technology group focused on supporting the transition to net zero, and vehicle recycling specialist Synetiq have formed a partnership to efficiently recycle EV batteries in the UK.
Synetiq already handles damaged EVs, working with LV= to recover and recycle EV batteries from damaged or ‘total loss’ vehicles insured by LV=. Now, these batteries will be processed at Altilium’s technology center in Devon, UK, to recover valuable raw materials, including lithium and nickel, for direct reuse in the production of new batteries.
By using hydrometallurgical processes (metal recovery methods), Altilium claims to recover over 95% of battery metals while reducing carbon emissions and costs compared with traditional methods.
Globally, millions of EV batteries are projected to reach the end of their life over the next decade, posing a challenge for sustainable disposal. Currently, the UK exports battery waste for processing overseas, which incurs high costs and carbon emissions.
The collaboration aims to secure a steady supply of batteries for Altilium’s recycling ecosystem, with the company planning to establish regional battery recycling stations across the UK, potentially integrating some within Synetiq’s facilities.
Altilium says it also plans to construct the UK’s largest battery recycling and refining plant in Teesside, with the capacity to process waste batteries from 150,000 EVs annually. This would produce 30,000MT of cathode active materials – enough to meet about 20% of the UK’s forecast needs by 2030.
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