Clean technology company, Altilium, and energy storage systems developer, Connected Energy, have joined forces to explore ways of extending the life of electric vehicle batteries.

Connected Energy designs and develops energy storage systems using second life EV batteries, while Altilium is focused on EV battery recycling, processing end-of-life EV batteries and manufacturing scrap to produce low-carbon cathode active materials for direct reuse in new batteries.

Under the agreement, the two organisations will work to develop sustainable and environmentally responsible business models for the repurposing and recycling of EV batteries.

Altilium has already received its first batch of batteries from Connected Energy, which will be processed at the company’s Devon-based recycling facilities. Using its EcoCathode recycling process, Altilium says it can recover over 95% of the battery metals, including lithium, in a format that can be directly reused in the production of new batteries.

The process also results in a 60% reduction in carbon emissions and 20% lower costs compared to virgin materials, paving the way for the production of more affordable and even cleaner EVs, it says.

Rod Savage, programme director, end-of-life batteries at Altilium, commented: “We’re excited to be working with Connected Energy to advance our shared vision of a circular economy for EV batteries. This collaboration is further demonstration of Altilium’s commitment to ensuring the responsible management of end-of-life EV batteries, working with best-in-class partners across the value chain to support the growth of the entire battery eco-system.”

Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy, added: “Over the next five years, we will see a rapid increase in the availability of used EV batteries. As an industry, it is critical that we work together to ensure that we move batteries through the value chain in a way that minimises their environmental impact whilst maximising their financial value. This collaboration is an important step in creating a model for true battery circularity.”

Repurposing EV batteries in stationary systems can extend their life by up to ten years,
delivering significant environmental and circular economy benefits. Once these batteries reach the end of their second life, they can then be recycled and the critical minerals recovered for reuse in the production of new batteries, ensuring that valuable resources remain in the UK supply chain.

Both companies are already part of a £30.1m Nissan-led project, backed by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, aimed at strengthening the UK’s capabilities in EV battery reuse, recycling and grid balancing.

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