A German initiative for a sustainable energy future
A young German company stands out in the green mobility landscape by its ability to provide second-life lithium from recycling lithium-ion batteries. This advancement positions the electric automobile industry favorably towards a more environmentally-friendly horizon, while foreseeing a reduction in the need for natural resource extraction.
The recycling of electric automobile batteries is a crucial issue, especially as the automotive fleet in circulation is still young and the first models of electric cars are reaching their first decade of use.
The initiative of manufacturers and legislators
Manufacturers like Renault and Tesla have initiated an eco-responsible approach by collecting more than 90% of the elements of used batteries.
On a global scale, Europe is anticipating the issue by making the recycling of 90% of certain metals like cobalt, copper, and nickel, and 50% of lithium mandatory from 2027. These measures will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions due to a lower need for lithium extraction in the future.
Innovation in lithium recycling
Lithium recycling, a significant challenge given its cost and environmental impact, is gaining efficiency with the intervention of the company Tozero, which has developed a hydrometallurgical treatment method.
This process aims to maximize the reuse of materials such as lithium and graphite and reintegrate them into the supply chain, thus reducing the ecological footprint of lithium production with a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of up to 70% compared to traditional extraction methods.
Promising developments and increased autonomy for Europe
The pilot plant located in Munich managed to deliver significant quantities of high-quality lithium to its first European customers as early as last month, demonstrating the purity and efficiency of the process. The development of this technology could offer Europe relative independence from China, which remains a major player in lithium supply.
Not only essential for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, but lithium is also useful in several other industrial sectors. The consumption of this metal has exploded, notably due to its predominant role in the transition to electric vehicles.
The European Commission is facing a challenge in lithium supply. However, the initiative of Tozero, which projects a production of hundreds of tons by 2026, contributes fully to a sustainable solution. Meanwhile, France is exploring the possibilities of lithium extraction on its territory, particularly in the Massif Central, despite the environmental concerns this raises.