Swedish start-up develops recyclable batteries
The next few decades will likely be increasingly shaped by electromobility. Although Germany did not commit to this goal at the World Climate Conference, 30 countries, cities and car manufacturers have decided to get out of the combustion engine completely by 2040. Regardless of this, we are still faced with a problem with e-vehicles: How can batteries continue to be used or recycled at the end of their useful life?
Northvolt would like to have found a solution to the problem. The Swedish start-up was founded by two former Tesla employees who recognized the problem early on and wanted to work on a solution. The company announced that it has made its first battery cell with a cathode made from 100 percent recycled material. New nickel, manganese and cobalt are no longer necessary.
By 2030, complete battery cells with a recycling content of at least 50 percent should be created in this way. This could make the process more sustainable and lay the foundation for further research in this area. Recent investments in the start-up show that Northvolt has potential.
Because Volkswagen is right at the forefront, the car manufacturer would like to secure batteries for its own models as early as possible. VW has already ordered batteries worth a total of 12.2 billion euros; one option provides that a joint venture could emerge in the future, 50 percent of which is managed by each side.
With the move, Northvolt could become a major player in the automotive supply chain. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, the construction of a recycling factory is to begin next year; the opening is planned for 2023. Then the production of recycled batteries could be scaled up.
Northvolt’s first goal is to recycle 125,000 tons of batteries per year. In total, batteries with a total energy of 30 gigawatt hours are to be produced in this way. For comparison: Tesla’s Gigafactory 1 is planning one output of up to 40 gigawatt hours. So the next battery champion might come from Europe.
Via Electrek
