Altilium in project with JLR to validate EV cells from recycled batteries

In a UK first, the project will demonstrate battery cells produced with recovered cathode active materials (CAM) which will be validated for use in vehicles with JLR.

The project has been made possible through the support of the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, under the latest round of its Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator (ARMD) competition.

Working alongside JLR, Altilium will utilise its advanced EcoCathode process to deliver a significant carbon reduction in EVs. By recovering critical materials including lithium, cobalt and nickel, Altilium’s process reduces the need for newly mined materials, resulting in a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.

JLR will conduct comprehensive validation studies on the pouch cells at its battery testing facilities.

Production of the battery cells is planned to take place at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) using recovered battery materials produced by Altilium at its new mini-commercial ACT2 facility, as well as its ACT1 pilot, both in Devon.

In a statement, Dr Christian Marston, Altilium COO, commented: “By demonstrating that EV battery cells made from recovered materials can meet the rigorous standards of the automotive industry, we’re not only reducing the environmental impact of battery production but also supporting the UK’s efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient EV supply chain. This project is a vital milestone in our mission to decarbonise the battery value chain and support automotive OEMs in achieving their regulatory and sustainability goals.”

The project builds on Altilium’s previously announced partnership with UKBIC, supported by Innovate UK’s Faraday Battery Challenge, to begin rapid prototyping of EV battery cells using recycled CAM.

According to new research by the Faraday Institution, demand for UK EV battery manufacturing capacity will reach nearly 110GWh per annum in 2030. To meet this demand, the UK will need to secure substantial amounts of raw materials, including lithium, cobalt and nickel, needed to manufacture EV batteries.