Can electric-vehicle lithium-ion batteries be recycled and re-used?

Here we outline and evaluate the current range of approaches to electric-vehicle lithium-ion battery recycling and re-use, and highlight areas for future progress. Processes for dismantling and recycling lithium-ion battery packs from scrap electric vehicles are outlined.

What are the reuse and recycling pathways of lithium-ion batteries?

Fig. 1: Reuse and recycling pathways considering economic and environmental functions. Our method encompasses the system boundaries of the lithium-ion battery life cycle, namely, cradle-to-grave, incorporating new battery production, first use, refurbishment, reuse, and end-of-life (EOL) stages.

Can EV batteries be reused?

However, there are still obvious barriers that hinder the reuse of EV batteries besides technical challenges (Alamerew and Brissaud, 2020). The first main concern is the economic feasibility of reusing batteries. Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive supply chain constrains the widespread of second life batteries usage.

Can lithium-ion power batteries be reused?

The ability to evaluate the large-scale retired LIBs in a low cost, high accuracy and strong generalization ability way is the key issue to the reuse of lithium-ion power batteries (J. Li et al., 2019).

Can retired electric vehicle batteries be recycled?

Reuse and recycling of retired electric vehicle (EV) batteries offer a sustainable waste management approach but face decision-making challenges. Based on the process-based life cycle assessment method, we present a strategy to optimize pathways of retired battery treatments economically and environmentally.

How does recupyl recycle lithium batteries?

Recupyl’s hydrometallurgical process for LIB recycling, named Valibat, consists of a mechanical treatment of spent batteries, implemented under an inert gas mixture (CO 2), and the physical separation of steel, copper, and plastics. Subsequent leaching of the fine powders yields an alkali solution of lithium, mixed metal oxides, and carbon.