Altilium Achieves Major Milestone in Recycled EV Battery Cell Production

Recycled Cathodes Match Mined Materials in Industrial Tests

Altilium, a UK-based lithium-ion battery recycler, has confirmed the success of its recycled cathode materials in real-world battery production. The company produced EV pouch cells at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) in Coventry. These were made using its proprietary EcoCathode™ NMC 811-2036 material.

Altilium’s tests showed that cells made with EcoCathode performed almost identically to those made with virgin metals. Key metrics like first cycle loss, impedance, and initial cycling behavior showed less than 1% variation.

This breakthrough proves that recycled battery metals can meet the same standards as mined materials. It also supports the UK’s move toward a circular battery economy.

EcoCathod™ Proven Compatible with Commercial Manufacturing

UKBIC confirmed that EcoCathode works seamlessly in commercial manufacturing lines. The recycled material passed all key steps, including mixing, coating, and formation.

Christian Marston, Altilium’s COO, stated: “We’ve now proven battery-grade cells can be made at scale using recycled metals.” He added that EcoCathode matches quality without trade-offs in manufacturing performance.

The material was processed at Altilium’s Devon facility, where metals like nickel, lithium, and cobalt are recovered from spent EV batteries.

This development arrives ahead of new EU Battery Regulations, which mandate minimum recycled metal content in EV batteries by 2031. Altilium’s low-carbon process supports this shift and reduces the UK’s dependence on imported raw materials.

Recycled Cells Set for Automotive Validation

Altilium will now begin full validation trials with a major automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM). These trials will confirm if the recycled cells meet required automotive safety and performance standards.

If successful, Altilium could supply the global EV battery market with high-quality recycled materials. The company plans to scale operations at its Teesside site by 2030.

At SuperMetalPrice, we closely monitor key trends in battery recycling, critical metals, and EV supply chains. Altilium’s breakthrough highlights a sustainable path forward for battery production.