. “The grid can’t handle EVs!” they say. “Batteries are toxic, and you can’t recycle them!” they go to next. In the past, we’ve had to look at how things would work in theory, and what answers the future holds. Now, the car manufacturers themselves are filling in these blanks and taking concrete steps toward implementing the solutions to all of the FUD.
Both recycling processes and the recyclability of future battery design will require additional investment in research and development. “Working with GM marks a key step in Lithion’s commercial development and pioneers a needed breakthrough in the electrification of transportation by enabling a cost-effective and sustainable circularity in the EV battery industry,” said Benoit Couture, president and CEO of Lithion. “This partnership underscores our commitment to enable the transition to a low-carbon economy amidst the fight against climate change.
In 2023, Lithion will begin commercial recycling operations based on data from its successful industrial-scale demonstration plant, which began operations in January 2020. The opening of this facility, with a capacity of 7500 metric tons per year of lithium-ion batteries, will be followed in 2025 by the launch of Lithion’s first hydrometallurgical plant.