Battery recycling is set to play a pivotal role in fulfilling the material requirements for future electric vehicle (EV) production.
As of 2023, the United States has established a domestic battery recycling capacity capable of recovering over 35,500 tons of valuable battery materials.
Expansion of Recycling Infrastructure:
The growth of the battery recycling sector is not slowing down. Over the next two to four years, additional facilities are planned, which will increase the country’s recycling capacity by another 76,000 tons. This expansion is essential to meet the rising demand for recycled battery materials as the EV market continues to expand.
Intermediate Processing: A Crucial Step:
Intermediate processing facilities are critical in the battery recycling process. They receive lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap, transforming them into materials suitable for reintegration into the battery supply chain. These facilities processed nearly 175,000 tons of material in 2023 and are projected to handle almost 198,000 additional tons in the coming years.
Data Snapshot:
This data encompasses both intermediate processing facilities and recycled materials producers within the United States as of October 1, 2023. The figures highlight the growing scale and significance of battery recycling in the country.
Source and Future Outlook:
The information presented is sourced from Argonne National Laboratory’s report, “Securing Materials for the U.S. Electric Vehicle Industry,” published in February 2024. The report underscores the importance of battery recycling in ensuring a sustainable and secure supply of critical materials for the burgeoning EV industry.
The United States is making substantial strides in developing a robust battery recycling infrastructure. By reclaiming valuable materials from spent batteries, the country can reduce its reliance on new material extraction, minimize environmental impact, and support the transition to a more circular economy in the battery industry.
For further details and the data supporting the information presented in this article, please refer to Figure 10 within the report “Securing Materials for the U.S. Electric Vehicle Industry” published by Argonne National Laboratory in February 2024.