Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling
The electric car battery is being recycled at an unprecedented rate, driven by the rapid spread of the technology, the tightening of the regulatory framework and the growing expectations of consumers for the environment. The main actors, mainly the car manufacturers, IT companies and specialized companies in the field of batteries, are competing to lead this market, using digital tools such as artificial intelligence and Internet of Things to optimize the logistics and reduce the impact on the environment. The car manufacturers are increasingly integrating the batteries into their supply chains, while the IT companies are developing solutions that optimize the data and the processes. Meanwhile, the new players, mainly young companies specializing in green technology and automation, are offering new methods of recovery with higher yields and lower costs. The strategic trend is to establish local recovery plants and alliances in the region, in order to respond to the growing demand for sustainable batteries in the coming years.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
These companies offer a complete solution for the entire battery-recycling process, from collection to material recovery.
Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
LiCycle |
Closed-loop recycling technology |
Lithium-ion battery recycling |
North America, Europe |
American Battery Technology Company |
Innovative extraction methods |
Battery recycling and resource recovery |
North America |
Umicore |
Global leader in materials technology |
Battery recycling and precious metal recovery |
Global |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These companies are specialised in one or other technology or process which increases the efficiency and effectiveness of battery disposal.
Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
Redwood Materials |
Sustainable battery materials production |
Battery recycling and materials recovery |
North America |
Kreisel Electric |
Innovative battery technology integration |
Battery recycling and repurposing |
Europe |
Duesenfeld GmbH |
High recovery rates for battery materials |
Battery recycling technology |
Europe |
Battery Resourcers |
Cost-effective recycling processes |
Lithium-ion battery recycling |
North America |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
They supply the necessary machinery and facilities for the operation.
Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
Fortum |
Integrated waste management solutions |
Battery recycling and waste processing |
Europe |
SungEel HiTech |
Advanced hydrometallurgical processes |
Battery recycling technology |
Asia |
Aqua Metals |
Water-based recycling technology |
Lead-acid battery recycling |
North America |
Ecoload |
Eco-friendly recycling solutions |
Battery recycling and waste management |
Europe |
Regional Specialists
These suppliers offer tailored solutions to meet the local battery needs of their customers.
Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
GEM Co., Ltd. |
Strong presence in Asian markets |
Battery recycling and resource recovery |
Asia |
Nippon Denko Co., Ltd. |
Expertise in metal recovery |
Battery recycling and metal recovery |
Japan |
Recupyl |
Innovative recycling processes |
Battery recycling technology |
Europe |
Johnson Matthey |
Expertise in precious metals |
Battery recycling and materials recovery |
Global |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- Li-Cycle (Canada): specializes in the recovery of lithium ion batteries and uses a patented process to recover 95% of the material. A recent contract with a major car manufacturer has placed it as a major player against established companies like Umicore.
- Redwood Materials, Inc. (US): Recycles lithium-ion batteries and recovers valuable materials such as nickel and cobalt. Panasonic is a recent partner, and the two companies are challenging the established method of battery recycling.
- Northvolt (Sweden): Provides a closed-loop battery solution, combining its manufacturing and recycling processes. Northvolt and Volkswagen have recently announced a joint venture for the establishment of a new battery factory. The company is a major competitor to the established European battery makers.
- The Battery Recovery Inc. of the United States is an organization that takes a novel approach to the recovery of batteries by reprocessing the material directly into new batteries. The company recently received capital and is now preparing to grow. It is expected to become a disruptive force in the North American market.
Regional Trends: The electric vehicle battery recycling market is expected to grow significantly by 2024, with increasing EV adoption and stringent regulations on battery disposal. The North American and European regions have the greatest number of companies that have specialized in this field, and they are the ones who have established closed-loop processes and developed strategic partnerships with automobile manufacturers. The Asia-Pacific region has new entrants with new business models and the leading players are also enhancing their capabilities to meet rising demand.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- Li-Cycle and General Motors entered into a partnership to develop a closed-loop battery system to improve the cost and the environment in the EV supply chain. This is expected to strengthen their competitiveness in the growing EV market.
- In order to increase its technological know-how and increase its capacity for battery recycling, Redwood Materials took a minority stake in Panasonic’s battery division.
- Umicore and Northvolt have announced a joint venture to develop a modern battery-recycling plant in Europe. This will meet the growing demand for recycled materials and comply with the stringent European Union regulations on batteries. It will also give the two companies a competitive advantage in the European market.
Competitive Summary Table
Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
Sustainability |
Li-Cycle, Redwood Materials |
Li-Cycle has a closed-loop system for the recovery of 95% of the materials in used batteries, thus demonstrating its firm commitment to the environment. Its partners are also active in the field of lithium-ion batteries, thereby enhancing its capacity for recovery. |
Technology Integration |
Umicore, Northvolt |
Umicore uses hydrometallurgical methods to extract valuable materials in an efficient way. Northvolt has developed its own process for separating the constituent elements of batteries, a process that has the lowest possible impact on the environment, and this is the main feature of its approach. |
Partnerships and Collaborations |
Tesla, BMW |
It has established a network of re-use and recycling with various companies, thereby ensuring the sustainable life cycle of its batteries. To this end, it is working with a number of specialist companies to develop a comprehensive strategy for the re-use and re-cyclation of batteries. |
Regulatory Compliance |
Aqua Metals, Svolt Energy |
Aqua Metals has developed a process for the recovery of metals which complies with the most stringent regulations and has thus positioned itself as a pioneer in the field of compliance. Svolt Energy is actively negotiating with the regulatory authorities to ensure that its process for the recovery of materials is in line with the regulations of the future. |
Innovation in Recycling Processes |
American Battery Technology Company, Cirba Solutions |
The American Battery Technology Company is experimenting with new ways of extracting lithium from used batteries. Its work represents a new chapter in the development of secondary lithium sources. Cirba Solutions has developed a unique process for reclaiming lithium that minimizes waste and optimizes recovery, making it unique in the market. |
Conclusion: Navigating the EV Battery Recycling Landscape
The Electric Vehicle Battery Recyclers’ Market is highly fragmented and characterized by intense competition, with both established and new players vying for market share. In the near future, the market is expected to be characterized by an increasing emphasis on the environment and regulatory compliance, which will force the vendors to come up with innovations in their processes. The established players are relying on their established supply chains and reputation for quality, while the new players are focusing on technological advances such as artificial intelligence and automation to enhance their operational efficiency. In the future, the ability to integrate sustainable practices, be flexible, and harness the latest technological advances will be the key to leadership in the market. The ability to prioritize these capabilities is critical for the success of any business operating in the market.
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Base Year For Estimation |
2021Market Forecast Period2022-2030Historical Data2018 & 2020Market Forecast UnitsValue (USD Billion)Report CoverageRevenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and TrendsSegments CoveredProduct Type, Operating Platforms, and RegionGeographies CoveredNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the WorldCountries CoveredThe U.S, Canada, Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and BrazilKey Companies ProfiledA.C.C.U.R.E.C. Recycling GmbH (Germany), American Manganese Inc. (Canada), Battery Solutions (U.S.), Li-Cycle Corp. (Canada), G & P Batteries (U.K.), Recupyl (France), Retriev Technologies (U.S.), Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (Australia), Snam S.p.A. (Italy), Umicore N.V. (Belgium).Key Market OpportunitiesThe growing use of environmentally friendly batteries, creation of high-yield methods for recycling next-generation batteries, expansion of the battery supply chain and recycling networks, and strengthening of emerging nations' economies.Key Market DynamicsIncreasing attention is being paid to reducing the usage of natural resources in battery production. Research and development expenditures, as well as increased government development assistance |
Historical Data |
2018 & 2020Market Forecast UnitsValue (USD Billion)Report CoverageRevenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and TrendsSegments CoveredProduct Type, Operating Platforms, and RegionGeographies CoveredNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the WorldCountries CoveredThe U.S, Canada, Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and BrazilKey Companies ProfiledA.C.C.U.R.E.C. Recycling GmbH (Germany), American Manganese Inc. (Canada), Battery Solutions (U.S.), Li-Cycle Corp. (Canada), G & P Batteries (U.K.), Recupyl (France), Retriev Technologies (U.S.), Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (Australia), Snam S.p.A. (Italy), Umicore N.V. (Belgium).Key Market OpportunitiesThe growing use of environmentally friendly batteries, creation of high-yield methods for recycling next-generation batteries, expansion of the battery supply chain and recycling networks, and strengthening of emerging nations' economies.Key Market DynamicsIncreasing attention is being paid to reducing the usage of natural resources in battery production. Research and development expenditures, as well as increased government development assistance |
Forecast Period |
2022-2030Historical Data2018 & 2020Market Forecast UnitsValue (USD Billion)Report CoverageRevenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and TrendsSegments CoveredProduct Type, Operating Platforms, and RegionGeographies CoveredNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the WorldCountries CoveredThe U.S, Canada, Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and BrazilKey Companies ProfiledA.C.C.U.R.E.C. Recycling GmbH (Germany), American Manganese Inc. (Canada), Battery Solutions (U.S.), Li-Cycle Corp. (Canada), G & P Batteries (U.K.), Recupyl (France), Retriev Technologies (U.S.), Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (Australia), Snam S.p.A. (Italy), Umicore N.V. (Belgium).Key Market OpportunitiesThe growing use of environmentally friendly batteries, creation of high-yield methods for recycling next-generation batteries, expansion of the battery supply chain and recycling networks, and strengthening of emerging nations' economies.Key Market DynamicsIncreasing attention is being paid to reducing the usage of natural resources in battery production. Research and development expenditures, as well as increased government development assistance |
Growth Rate |
35.40% (2022-2030)Base Year2021Market Forecast Period2022-2030Historical Data2018 & 2020Market Forecast UnitsValue (USD Billion)Report CoverageRevenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and TrendsSegments CoveredProduct Type, Operating Platforms, and RegionGeographies CoveredNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the WorldCountries CoveredThe U.S, Canada, Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and BrazilKey Companies ProfiledA.C.C.U.R.E.C. Recycling GmbH (Germany), American Manganese Inc. (Canada), Battery Solutions (U.S.), Li-Cycle Corp. (Canada), G & P Batteries (U.K.), Recupyl (France), Retriev Technologies (U.S.), Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (Australia), Snam S.p.A. (Italy), Umicore N.V. (Belgium).Key Market OpportunitiesThe growing use of environmentally friendly batteries, creation of high-yield methods for recycling next-generation batteries, expansion of the battery supply chain and recycling networks, and strengthening of emerging nations' economies.Key Market DynamicsIncreasing attention is being paid to reducing the usage of natural resources in battery production. Research and development expenditures, as well as increased government development assistance |