Researchers in China have purportedly discovered a method to reclaim almost all lithium from used electric vehicle (EV) batteries, marking a substantial advancement in recycling technology. According to The Independent (via InsideEVs), findings published in the German academic journal Angewandte Chemie reveal that this innovative process can recover 99.99% of lithium, alongside 97% of nickel, 92% of cobalt, and 91% of manganese from spent batteries.
This technique, termed “neutral leaching,” reportedly omits severe chemicals, thereby enhancing safety and diminishing environmental repercussions. In laboratory trials, the extraction of these vital battery components was achieved in merely 15 minutes.
Presently, conventional recycling methodologies rely on amino acids; however, this recent study employed glycine—the most basic stable amino acid—accompanied by a subsequent procedure to prevent additional chemical interactions post-extraction of lithium and other elements.
While laboratory successes do not always translate into commercial feasibility, the prospect of recycling batteries has garnered attention from automobile manufacturers eager to mitigate the expenses and ecological toll associated with mining fresh raw materials for batteries.
In related developments, Toyota revealed an accord in 2022 to engage Redwood Materials, a battery-recycling enterprise established by ex-Tesla CTO JB Straubel, for its battery recycling initiatives. The subsequent year saw Toyota broaden this partnership, positioning batteries from hybrids such as the Prius to contribute materials for forthcoming EV batteries as these vehicles attain the end of their functional lifespan.
Similarly, other automotive giants—including BMW, Ford, and Volkswagen Group’s VW and Audi marques—have also forged alliances with Redwood Materials. Nevertheless, the gradual turnover of vehicle fleets, combined with the presently modest number of EVs and hybrids on Canadian roads, implies a protracted wait for an adequate volume of recyclable battery materials. A report from 2021 forecasts that the market for these materials will not surge until 2030.
For Canadian EV owners, this research could eventually alleviate concerns around battery disposal and material scarcity. Moreover, it aligns with Canada’s growing emphasis on sustainable practices within the EV sector. With provincial rebates and the iZEV program offering incentives for EV purchases, enhancing recycling capabilities supports these initiatives by ensuring a circular economy for battery materials—thereby reducing dependency on mining and minimising environmental impact.
As the Canadian government and provinces continue to unfold policies and incentives to bolster EV adoption—such as Ontario’s iZEV program and British Columbia’s EV rebates—advancements in recycling technology play a pivotal role. They promise to sustain the ecological advantages of EVs, even as the nation progresses toward its decarbonisation objectives.