Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed an innovative recycling method for electric vehicle (EV) batteries using hydrometallurgy. This process allows for the recovery of 100% of the aluminum and 98% of the lithium from the batteries. The new method reverses the order of traditional hydrometallurgy, recovering lithium and aluminum first while minimizing the loss of other valuable metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese. This method shows promise in battery recycling and may offer the industry new options for handling residual materials like aluminum, a longstanding challenge in the recycling process. 

This could be good news for the U.S. EV industry as new provisions to the clean vehicle tax credit are introduced. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act provides consumers and automakers with a substantial federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for electric EV purchases. However, to qualify for the full credit, 80% of critical minerals in EV batteries must be sourced from North America, countries with free trade agreements with the U.S., or recycled in North America by 2027. By 2029, 100% of battery components must be manufactured or assembled in North America. The growth of the EV battery recycling industry is essential to meet these new requirements.

Source : https://www.researchandmarkets.com/issues/new-innovations-in-electric-vehicle-battery