Li-Cycle and EVE Energy to partner on battery recycling

Toronto-based lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycler Li-Cycle Holdings Corp. and China-based LIB technology company EVE Energy Co. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate and explore LIB recycling solutions for EVE battery materials.

The companies say the MOU includes a framework to explore global sustainable recycling solutions for EVE LIB materials in the North American market, as well as battery manufacturing scrap generated at EVE’s planned LIB cell manufacturing facilities in Malaysia and Hungary. The companies also expect to support EVE’s environmental goals through a closed-loop supply solution and continue to support the global movement towards electrification.

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EVE claims it is one of the world’s largest LIB cell manufacturers, with global manufacturing facilities and customers that include global automakers.

“EVE Energy places great importance on expanding our presence in global markets,” EVE Energy co-founder and CEO Jianhua Liu says. “To better serve our international customers, we are going to construct green battery factories in Europe and Southeast Asia. To achieve this goal, we are implementing strategic initiatives such as industry chain integration, team internationalization and the application of international operational models. We are pleased to partner with Li-Cycle to discuss the establishment of a high environmental standard battery recycling system to support sustainable development.”

Li-Cycle co-founder and Executive Chair Tim Johnston says his company is excited to collaborate with EVE, which he called a proven global leader in LIB cell manufacturing. “Li-Cycle continues to scale as the world’s preferred recycling partner and the MOU demonstrates how EVE recognizes our capabilities in delivering world-class lithium-ion battery recycling solutions with high efficiency, low emissions and minimal waste generation to support a sustainable lithium-ion battery ecosystem,” he adds. “Li-Cycle continues to expand our business strategically and flexibly in line with our growing global customer base.”

In addition to its LIB manufacturing footprint in Asia, EVE has announced plans to build its first European battery manufacturing facility in Hungary, which the company says is expected to supply a major global automaker for the production of electric vehicles (EVs). EVE also has announced plans to build a LIB cell manufacturing facility in Malaysia.

Li-Cycle says its patented “Spoke & Hub” technologies enable a safe and environmentally friendly way to recycle LIBs and battery manufacturing scrap and recover key battery-grade materials, including lithium, nickel and cobalt. The company adds its overall process includes an efficient environmental footprint, minimal direct greenhouse gas emissions and minimal wastewater discharge.