The UK-based technology company Altilium claim a breakthrough with its initial test results for its electric vehicle (EV) battery cells manufactured using recycled materials at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC).
The firm stated that electrochemical testing has demonstrated comparable performance in its recycled cells to cells made with conventional primary materials.
This is believed to show that recycled cathodes are a viable alternative to mined metals.
It also stated that large-scale cell assembly trials showed that the companies’ cathode material was comparable to commercially available material.
The pouch cells, which were manufactured at UKBIC’s facility in Coventry, used Altilium’s recycled nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cathode active material (CAM) from Devon.
The company has a proprietary process it claims could recover over 95% of critical materials from end-of-life EV batteries. This includes lithium.
Multiple key metrics were considered, including energy density, first cycle loss and cycle life.
Comprehensive validation studies of the battery cells will now occur by an automotive OEM, the firm said.
Dr Christian Marston, co-founder and COO, Altilium, said: “These results mark a pivotal moment for battery circularity in the UK. For the first time, we’ve demonstrated that battery grade EV cells can be manufactured at scale using recycled materials – with no compromise on quality or manufacturability. Our EcoCathode™ technology offers a viable, low-carbon alternative to mined materials and is now proven to work in real-world battery production. This is a major step toward a domestic, sustainable battery supply chain.”
Richard LeCain, chief technology officer, UKBIC, said: “We’re thrilled with the initial results of these tests. This groundbreaking project marks the beginning of a journey that could reduce the UK’s dependence on imported materials and open up a new market for recycled batteries. We’re excited to continue collaborating with Altilium as they drive this innovative project forward.”
Image: Altilium battery cells are being manufactured in UKBIC facility. Credit: Altilium.
