China could supply EV manufacturing boom with recycled EVs

Researchers at Nanjing University modeled China’s EV material demand and recycled supply from 2010 to 2050 across multiple vehicle and battery scenarios.

They found recycling could grow into a major source of lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, copper, and rare earths despite chemistry shifts and timing challenges.

Rising EV sales, battery replacement cycles, and stricter recycling policies were key drivers expanding the recycled supply pool.

The study suggests recycling could reduce China’s reliance on virgin raw materials and support its expanding EV and battery manufacturing base.