Altilium has unveiled an innovative project aimed at producing EV battery cells using materials recovered from end-of-life EV batteries.
This project marks a significant milestone in sustainable EV battery production and is the first of its kind in the UK.
A first for the UK: EV battery cells from recycled materials
In a pioneering move, Altilium will demonstrate EV battery cells produced from recovered cathode active materials (CAM).
These recycled materials will be validated for use in vehicles by a leading automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
The project, which underscores the potential of battery recycling, is made possible through support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK under the Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator (ARMD) competition.
Collaboration with JLR and EcoCathode™ process
Altilium’s groundbreaking project involves a strategic partnership with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), a globally recognised luxury automotive manufacturer.
The collaboration aims to validate and test EV battery cells produced with recycled materials through Altilium’s proprietary EcoCathode™ process.
This innovative recycling process recovers critical materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from old batteries, significantly reducing the need for newly mined resources.
The result is a 60% reduction in carbon emissions when compared to traditional mining and battery production methods.
By addressing the environmental impact of sourcing raw materials for batteries, Altilium’s EcoCathode™ process represents a substantial step towards achieving net-zero emissions in the automotive industry.
Dr Christian Marston, Altilium COO, commented: “We are proud to lead this pioneering project with JLR that brings us one step closer to a circular economy for battery materials in the UK.
“By demonstrating that EV battery cells made from recovered materials can meet the rigorous standards of the automotive industry, we’re not only reducing the environmental impact of battery production but also supporting the UK’s efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient EV supply chain.
“This project is a vital milestone in our mission to decarbonise the battery value chain and support automotive OEMs in achieving their regulatory and sustainability goals.”
Battery testing and production at UKBIC
The EV battery cells produced from recovered materials will undergo rigorous validation at JLR’s state-of-the-art testing facilities.
Production of these EV battery cells will take place at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC), a national-scale facility dedicated to advancing battery manufacturing in the UK.
This production will utilise recycled materials processed by Altilium at its new ACT2 facility in Devon, as well as its ACT1 pilot plant.
This project builds on a previous collaboration between Altilium and UKBIC, supported by Innovate UK’s Faraday Battery Challenge.
The combined efforts are critical in accelerating the prototyping and production of EV battery cells using recycled CAM, paving the way for scaling up Altilium’s battery recycling operations.
Strengthening the UK’s EV supply chain
As the UK transitions towards greater electrification in transport, there is growing pressure to secure a sustainable supply of critical raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel for EV battery production.
A recent report by the Faraday Institution forecasts that the UK will need nearly 110 GWh of annual EV battery manufacturing capacity by 2030 to meet demand.
Altilium’s project is poised to play a vital role in helping the UK develop a domestic supply chain for these crucial materials, reducing reliance on overseas resources.
Teesside Hub: A key player in UK battery recycling
Altilium’s vision extends beyond this current project, with plans to establish the UK’s largest integrated battery recycling facility in Teesside.
Capable of processing 150,000 EV batteries annually, the Teesside hub will supply approximately 30,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of recycled CAM back into the UK’s rapidly expanding gigafactory network.
This facility will play a crucial role in supporting the country’s growing EV battery manufacturing needs while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Altilium’s innovative approach to producing EV battery cells from recycled materials highlights the potential of battery recycling in reducing the environmental impact of the automotive industry.
With strong collaborations and cutting-edge technology, the project is set to strengthen the UK’s position in the global EV supply chain while advancing toward the goal of net-zero emissions.
