Stellantis N.V. and Orano have announced their plans to collaborate on a joint venture aimed at recycling end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries and scrap materials from gigafactories. This partnership will primarily focus on the Enlarged Europe and North America regions.
This collaboration between Stellantis and Orano holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it strengthens Stellantis’ commitment to the electric vehicle battery value chain by ensuring increased accessibility to crucial elements such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium. Additionally, the recycling of these materials, which aligns with Stellantis’ circular economy goals, also supports the European Union’s directive for battery recycling by 2031.
Furthermore, both companies are taking a significant step towards promoting a global circular approach to manufacturing and consumption, recognizing its importance for sustainable business practices.
Key points regarding this joint venture include its alignment with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. Orano’s innovative and eco-friendly technology will enable the complete recovery of materials from lithium-ion batteries, including the development of new cathode materials. The partnership will facilitate the production of materials often referred to as “black mass” or “active mass,” which will be refined at Orano’s planned hydrometallurgical plant in Dunkirk, France. These materials will then be reused in batteries, exemplifying the full circular economy concept.
Notably, Orano’s technology boasts impressive metal recovery rates exceeding 90%, meeting European Commission standards and highlighting the sustainability of their business model.
In line with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 vision, the company aims to significantly increase its recycling revenues, targeting over €2 billion in total circular economy earnings by the end of the decade. The company also aims to become a carbon-neutral enterprise by 2038. The recycling venture is set to commence operations by early 2026, utilizing existing Stellantis infrastructure. Investments are also planned for reskilling and upskilling employees from both Stellantis and Orano, ensuring a sustainable future for them in their updated roles. However, the final documentation agreement for this joint venture is still pending.
Source: [Stellantis North America News Release](https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=25391&mid=1)
Agreement on EV Battery Recycling Established Between Stellantis and Orano
In a significant step towards sustainable electric vehicle (EV) development and responsible waste management, a groundbreaking agreement has been reached between Stellantis and Orano. This pioneering collaboration aims to establish a comprehensive and efficient system for the recycling of EV batteries.
Stellantis, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, and Orano, a global leader in nuclear recycling and waste management, have joined forces to address the pressing need for responsible and eco-friendly disposal of EV batteries. With the rising demand for electric vehicles, it becomes imperative to find sustainable solutions for battery recycling to minimize their environmental impact and optimize resource usage.
Under this agreement, Stellantis will leverage its expertise in EV battery production and Orano will contribute its extensive experience in the recycling of complex materials. This collaboration will enable the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies and processes for the recovery of critical raw materials, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
The recycling of EV batteries presents several challenges, including the efficient extraction of precious metals and the safe handling of potentially hazardous materials. However, this agreement aims to tackle these challenges head-on by integrating innovative techniques that ensure maximum resource recovery and minimize environmental risks.
Moreover, the partnership intends to establish a circular economy approach to EV battery recycling. This means that the recovered materials will be reused in the production of new batteries, closing the loop and reducing the overall need for raw materials extraction. By promoting a circular economy, Stellantis and Orano aim to achieve a sustainable and self-sufficient battery supply chain while minimizing the environmental impact of electric mobility.
It is worth noting that this agreement aligns with the broader global efforts to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions. By investing in battery recycling and promoting sustainable practices, Stellantis and Orano play a crucial role in the transition towards a decarbonized transportation sector.
Furthermore, this collaboration signifies a significant milestone in the mutual commitment towards corporate social responsibility. Stellantis and Orano recognize their shared duty to society and the environment, and this agreement reflects their dedication to promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste.
As the global market for electric vehicles grows exponentially, the importance of establishing a robust and efficient system for EV battery recycling cannot be overstated. By coming together, Stellantis and Orano provide a formidable alliance to tackle this urgent issue and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking agreement between Stellantis and Orano represents a significant milestone in the quest for responsible waste management in the electric vehicle sector. By establishing an efficient system for EV battery recycling and promoting a circular economy approach, this collaboration sets an example for the industry and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices. As the world embraces electric mobility, it is essential to prioritize the development and implementation of environmentally friendly solutions, and this partnership undoubtedly contributes to such efforts.