Audi, Umicore recovering raw materials from traction batteries
Even before the start of the cooperation with Umicore in June 2018, Audi had analyzed the batteries in the plug-in hybrid A3 e-tron car and defined ways for recycling. Together with the material technology experts, the car manufacturer then determined the possible recycling quotas for battery components such as cobalt, nickel and copper. The result: more than 95 percent of these elements can be recovered and reused in laboratory tests.
Now the partners are developing concrete recycling concepts. The focus is on a closed-loop approach. In such a closed cycle, valuable elements from batteries flow into new products at the end of their life cycle and are thus used further.
The Ingolstadt-based carmaker is now applying this approach to the high-voltage batteries in the new Audi e-tron electric car. The aim is to gain insights into the degree of purity of the recovered materials, the recycling rate and the economic feasibility of concepts such as a raw materials bank. Security of supply and shorter distances are the goals.
Related articles:
BMW-led consortium plans to establish green battery production in Europe
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
