Honda, PNE sign MOU to advance battery recycling technologies

Princeton NuEnergy (PNE), a Princeton, New Jersey-based lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycler, and Honda Motor Co. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance collaboration around next-generation LIB recycling technologies.

The companies say the agreement reflects a shared intention to strengthen the circular battery materials supply chain and U.S. energy independence through innovative recycling and rejuvenation pathways. 

“Our work with Honda shows strong technical alignment and a clear pathway for advancing circular battery materials,” PNE co-founder and CEO Chao Yan says. “This MOU reflects a shared commitment to accelerating the next phase of sustainable, high-performance material production and we look forward to continuing our collaboration.” 

Since 2022, Honda and PNE have conducted joint technical validation of PNE's plasma-based Direct Recycling and Upcycling technologies for LIB manufacturing scrap and end-of-life materials. Through this work, PNE says it has produced rejuvenated nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cathode active material with performance characteristics comparable to virgin material. 

RELATED: PNE battery recycling facility now fully operational 

The MOU outlines a strategic partnership focused on collaborative validation projects and the potential for future commercial-scale applications. PNE says it reflects alignment between Honda's global electrification strategy and PNE's mission to expand cost-efficient production of battery-grade cathode active materials through a closed-loop platform. 

“Honda values the progress achieved through our collaboration with PNE and recognizes the importance of advanced recycling technologies in building a more sustainable materials ecosystem,” Honda says in a news release. “This MOU represents an important step forward in our efforts to advance long-term solutions that support our global electrification strategy.”