Audi and Umicore use recycled cobalt and nickel
Audi and Umicore use recycled cobalt and nickel (electrive)
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Audi and Umicore have completed the test phase of their research cooperation which showed that more than 90% of the cobalt and nickel from e-tron batteries can be recycled, and starting January will use these recycled materials in new battery cells.
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However, these cells will not be used directly in new cars, as Audi first wants to “master the process” before “series production is conceivable”.
Analysis and Comments
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While this is a very encouraging result, expectation remains that it will be a number of years before this becomes mainstream technology.
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Analysts also note that the process referred to only focuses on battery cells used in the Audi ranges – Umicore is also involved in a similar project with Northvolt & BMW..
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Reading between the lines, analysts expect more research work on the recycling process through 2020 and potentially 2021, before they move to pilot production.
