UK Launches EV Battery Recycling Project

Addressing EV Battery Waste in the UK

The UK government is supporting a pilot project to recycle end-of-life electric vehicle batteries. Led by Jaguar Land Rover and Mint Innovation, the initiative is based in the West Midlands and is funded with £8.1 million through the DRIVE35 programme.

The project focuses on recovering critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt from used batteries. These materials are essential for the production of new batteries and are currently sourced through global supply chains that face increasing demand and instability. Recycling provides an alternative source and reduces waste associated with electric mobility.

Project Structure and Process

The initiative brings together several partners:

• Mint Innovation applies chemical processing techniques to extract raw materials from battery waste
•  Jaguar Land Rover contributes industrial battery input and manages logistical operations
•  LiBatt Recycling and WMG at the University of Warwick provide technical and research support

The three-year pilot will evaluate whether recovered materials can be refined to meet manufacturing-grade standards and reintroduced into battery production systems.

Core Objectives

1. Recover Materials Locally
   The project aims to create a recycling stream for lithium, cobalt, and nickel, reducing dependence on international mining.
2. Reduce Environmental Load
   By reusing materials already in circulation, the project contributes to lower emissions and less energy-intensive processing.
3. Prepare for EV Growth
   The anticipated increase in electric vehicle usage will result in more battery waste. The project addresses how to manage that waste efficiently.

Sector Applications and Planning

If the pilot proves effective, it may serve as a model for broader recycling operations. Lessons from this initiative will inform future strategies under the UK’s wider transition to electric transportation.

The DRIVE35 programme, which funds this effort, is part of a national plan to support innovation in EV-related infrastructure and materials. It includes investments in battery technology, supply chain management, and end-of-life solutions.