Japanese scientists perfect method to recover 90% of lithium from EV batteries
NHK World confirms the breakthrough, which aims to stabilise Japan’s import-dependent supply chains despite current collection hurdles.
Scientists in Japan have developed a recycling method capable of recovering up to 90% of lithium from used electric vehicle batteries, a significant improvement over conventional techniques that typically yield less than 50%. The process, which has been confirmed by NHK World, utilises recovered lithium hydroxide instead of standard sodium hydroxide to convert battery waste, known as 'black mass', into high-purity lithium. This chemical adjustment reportedly reduces carbon emissions by approximately 40% compared to traditional recycling methods.
The development addresses a critical vulnerability in Japan’s energy infrastructure, as the country currently imports almost all of its battery minerals. By enabling domestic recovery of such a high volume of lithium, the technique aims to reduce reliance on imports and stabilise supply chains against the geopolitical complexities and high costs associated with mining. Lithium remains a vital ingredient for electric vehicles, with global demand continuing to rise sharply.
Despite the technical success, significant infrastructure challenges remain. Current collection rates in Japan are low, with only about 14% of used lithium-ion batteries entering official recycling systems. This gap highlights the need for substantial upgrades to collection networks before the technology can be fully utilised at scale.
Looking ahead, plans are in place to expand production capabilities. The goal is to extract tens of thousands of tons of materials annually by 2035, marking a potential turning point in how battery materials are sourced and reused. While the process is described as perfected by NHK World, the scalability of the 90% recovery rate in commercial settings beyond the initial facility remains to be seen.
If adopted globally, this innovation could reshape the economics of battery manufacturing and reuse. However, the immediate focus for Japanese policymakers and industry leaders is bridging the gap between this high-efficiency recovery method and the existing, limited collection infrastructure.
