Altilium has filed a UK patent application for a pioneering method designed to help automotive OEMs comply with stringent new EU battery regulations. These regulations, which came into force in August 2023, mandate the inclusion of minimum recycled content levels in new batteries as part of the EU’s ambitious efforts to promote battery recycling and enhance sustainability across the battery value chain.

As the global automotive industry accelerates its transition towards EVs, the demand for critical battery materials such as lithium, nickel and cobalt is intensifying. However, the extraction and supply of these essential metals pose significant environmental and societal challenges, including geopolitical tensions and substantial carbon emissions. In response, the EU has introduced new regulations requiring battery manufacturers to incorporate recycled materials into their products for sale into the European market.

The EU’s battery regulation sets specific recycled content targets for EVs: by 2031, new batteries must include 6% recycled lithium, 6% recycled nickel and 16% recycled cobalt. These targets increase to 12%, 15% and 26%, respectively, by 2036. Automotive OEMs and battery manufacturers failing to meet these requirements risk exclusion from the EU market, underscoring the importance of securing a stable supply of recycled materials.

Altilium’s method addresses this regulatory challenge by providing an innovative solution for preparing cathode active material compositions with partial recycled content. This innovation reduces the reliance on newly extracted critical materials, aligning with both sustainability goals and regulatory requirements. By enabling the incorporation of recycled content into battery materials, Altilium’s invention supports the broader industry push towards net-zero emissions and a circular economy.

Altilium’s patent filing represents a significant step forward in the company’s mission to support energy security and sustainability. By providing OEMs and battery manufacturers with the tools they need to comply with evolving regulations, Altilium is poised to play a critical role in the development of a robust EV battery supply chain in the UK and Europe.