Japan develops a method to recover up to 90% of lithium from used EV batteries (tech.supercarblondie.com)

Article summary

Scientists in Japan have developed a method to recover up to 90% of lithium from used EV batteries, which could be a major breakthrough in recycling and reduce Japan's reliance on imports. The process uses a chemical tweak to convert battery waste into high-purity lithium that can be reused in new batteries. This innovation could change how EV batteries are made and reused, and potentially reduce carbon emissions by 40% compared to conventional recycling techniques. The method is still in development, but plans are in place to scale up production by 2027 and extract tens of thousands of tons of materials annually by 2035.

Main themes

• Lithium recycling
• EV battery production
• Japan's energy independence
• Sustainable technology
• Electric vehicle industry

What commenters say

• Japan's slow adoption of EVs is due to a combination of factors, including oil ties, risk aversion, and a lack of innovation in the automotive industry.
• The country's car-centric culture and lack of charging infrastructure are significant barriers to widespread EV adoption.
• Japanese automakers are falling behind in the EV market due to their focus on hybrid vehicles and reluctance to transition to fully electric cars.
• The development of solid-state batteries is facing production challenges and may not be a game-changer for the industry, with some arguing that LFP chemistry has advanced enough to make solid-state batteries less relevant.
• Japan's unique cultural preferences and market requirements, such as the popularity of kei cars, may be a challenge for foreign EV manufacturers to adapt to.
• The partnership between Tesla and Panasonic is a significant factor in the production of EV batteries, with some arguing that Panasonic's technology and manufacturing capabilities are crucial to Tesla's success.