Stellantis and Orano Join Forces for Sustainable EV Battery Recycling

Stellantis, a major player in the automotive industry, has embarked on a groundbreaking partnership with Orano to revolutionize the recycling of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This collaboration, outlined in a memorandum of understanding, establishes a joint venture aimed at recycling end-of-life EV batteries and factory scraps from Stellantis facilities in Europe and North America. The objective? To secure essential materials like cobalt, nickel, and lithium, reinforcing Stellantis' position within the EV battery value chain.

Driving Toward Sustainable Solutions

Alison Jones, Stellantis Senior Vice President of the Circular Economy Business Unit, underscored the critical nature of this venture in addressing challenges related to natural resource scarcity and sustainability. It aligns seamlessly with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and reflects Stellantis' commitment to embracing a circular economy approach. As part of its Dare Forward 2030 plan, Stellantis seeks to enhance its Circular Economy Business Unit, with a specific goal of increasing recycling revenues tenfold to reach a remarkable €2 billion in total circular economy revenues by 2030.

Orano's Innovative Recycling Technology

Orano, renowned for its innovation and expertise in low-carbon technology, will play a pivotal role in this partnership. The company will utilize its groundbreaking process to recover all materials from lithium-ion batteries and subsequently produce new cathode materials from these recycled components. Orano's approach stands out from traditional processes, promising more sustainable and efficient results. The company plans to refine "black mass" – an active powder containing a blend of cathode and anode materials – at a hydrometallurgical plant to be constructed in Dunkirk, France. Leveraging its pre-treatment methodology and hydrometallurgy technology, Orano aims to achieve an impressive recovery rate of over 90% for metals, further advancing the cause of sustainable EV battery recycling. This collaboration represents a significant stride toward more environmentally friendly EV battery management and supports the industry's transition to a circular and sustainable model.

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Source: Teslarati