Study suggests China could rely on recycled materials for EV manufacturing

A study led by Xin Xiong at Nanjing University indicates that recycling could become a significant source of materials needed for electric vehicle (EV) components in China over the next few decades. The research models the supply of recycled materials against manufacturing demand in China from 2010 to 2050, focusing on materials relevant to batteries in hybrid, battery-electric, and fuel-cell vehicles, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite, as well as elements used in electric motors such as copper and neodymium. The study highlights the challenges of recycling in the context of evolving battery technologies and the cost competitiveness of recycled versus virgin materials.