Summary
– Altilium has received government funding to prototype lithium-ion EV battery pouch cells using recycled cathode active materials
– The company received a grant from Innovate UK’s Faraday Battery Challenge for UK battery developers
– Altilium’s EcoCathode process recycles over 95% of metals in a battery cathode for direct reuse in new batteries
– The company’s Teesside recycling plant will have capacity to produce 30,000 tons of CAM per year
– The new project will advance commercialization of Altilium’s technology to de-risk investment in further scale-up
Article
UK-based battery company Altilium has secured funding from the UK government to kickstart the rapid prototyping of lithium-ion EV battery pouch cells using recycled cathode active materials (CAM). With a grant of £639,797 from Innovate UK’s Faraday Battery Challenge, the company aims to produce these cells at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) using CAM created at its UK pilot facility. The project will involve rigorous analysis of the quality and performance of the cells, comparing them against UKBIC’s baselines.
Altilium’s innovative EcoCathode process boasts the ability to recycle over 95% of the metals in a battery cathode, including lithium, from old EV batteries to generate high-nickel CAM for direct reuse in new batteries. The company has plans to establish a recycling plant in Teesside with the capacity to produce 30,000 tons of CAM annually, enough to meet almost 20% of the projected UK demand by 2030. This initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles.
Christian Marston, Altilium’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), stated that this new project will propel the commercialization of the company’s technology by showcasing the EcoCathode recycling process at the new ACT 2 facility on a scale suitable for OEMs, battery manufacturers, and potential investors. By de-risking investment in further scale-up, Altilium aims to solidify its position in the industry and drive innovation in sustainable battery production.
The funding provided by Innovate UK’s Faraday Battery Challenge is part of a larger £1.5 million funding round aimed at supporting UK battery developers in advancing their technologies. By focusing on the development and testing of lithium-ion EV battery pouch cells using recycled CAM, Altilium contributes to the UK’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce the environmental impact of battery production and disposal. This project serves as a stepping stone towards a more sustainable future for the UK’s automotive industry.
The successful implementation of this project will not only showcase the viability and effectiveness of Altilium’s EcoCathode process but also demonstrate the potential for large-scale recycling of cathode active materials from old EV batteries. By producing high-quality CAM for reuse in new batteries, Altilium aims to contribute to the circular economy and reduce the reliance on virgin materials in battery production. This approach aligns with global efforts to minimize waste and carbon emissions in the manufacturing sector.
Overall, Altilium’s collaboration with Innovate UK on this project marks a significant milestone in the development of sustainable battery technology in the UK. By leveraging recycled cathode active materials and advancing the commercialization of its EcoCathode process, the company is poised to make a meaningful impact on the electric vehicle industry while driving innovation in battery production. With a focus on sustainability and circular economy principles, Altilium is at the forefront of efforts to create a more environmentally friendly and efficient battery supply chain.
Read the full article here
