Modular tech recovers critical metals from 550 pounds of EV battery waste per hour

A UK consortium has launched a modular EV battery recycling process that turns black mass from spent lithium-ion batteries directly into cathode active material.

The ReCAM project uses AI to optimize material performance and aims to process about 250 kg per hour, or roughly £550 of feedstock per hour.

Partners include UKBIC, Watercycle Technologies, Recyclus Group and Polaron, with backing from Innovate UK and the Department for Business and Trade.

The approach could keep critical battery metals in the UK, reduce export emissions and expand domestic recycling capacity for rising EV battery waste.