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Recycling of electric vehicle batteries needs to be improved in Europe

Electric vehicle batteries depend on many critical metals, and their recycling must be made as efficient as possible in Europe. A new research report examines the key challenges and new opportunities that either hinder or enable improved battery recycling in Europe. The study, conducted by the Environmental Policy Research Group at the University of Eastern Finland, highlights the importance of European battery and automotive industry stakeholders and the need for stronger corporate cooperation, particularly in building recycling facilities.

Overall, the study emphasizes stronger EU policy action and effective implementation of existing regulations, the need for efficient collection systems in all member states, and the importance of eco-design, standardization and battery passports.

According to Professor Rauno Sairinen, who led the project, this concerns both a sustainable materials policy for climate solutions and ensuring Europe's self-sufficiency and strategic autonomy.

"Existing recycling policies alone are not sufficient to meet the growing demand for critical battery materials. The challenge is the long wait for a sufficient volume of batteries to be decommissioned, as well as changes in battery chemistry. More effective collaboration among many actors is needed to enable recycling and to catch up with China's lead."

The study begins with the rise of the circular economy in the EU as one of the strategic priorities for securing battery materials, current geopolitical challenges in the sector's markets, the nature of existing EU regulations, the automotive industry's own actions, and technological changes in the sector.

Senior Researcher Kimmo Louekari emphasizes that the EU is lagging behind China in the development of battery recycling and that the sector needs stronger and more direct funding and support mechanisms to reduce dependence on China.

"It is also important that the EU effectively implements the so-called black mass export ban, thereby enabling more efficient recycling of battery materials within Europe."

Battery chemistry is moving toward so-called LFP batteries, or lithium iron phosphate batteries, which do not require cobalt and nickel. At the same time, the profitability of recycling decreases. The world of many battery chemistries therefore needs increasingly efficient recycling facilities. In addition, the nature of LFP batteries requires attention in regulation.

Provided by University of Eastern Finland