Recycling & Reuse of Lithium Ion Batteries

s the UK transitions to electric vehicles, the RELIB project tackles the monumental task of managing the resulting wave of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. Hosted by the Faraday Institution, this initiative focuses on developing the technological and legal infrastructure needed to optimize the recovery of valuable elements like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. By moving away from energy-intensive smelting toward more sophisticated robotic sorting and chemical processing, RELIB aims to make battery recycling safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. The project also prioritizes the "Second Life" of batteries, exploring how packs can be tested, repaired, and reconditioned for stationary energy storage before they are finally recycled. This multi-stage approach ensures that the maximum value is extracted from every cell. By integrating advanced sensing and automation, RELIB is positioning the UK as a global leader in battery circularity, securing the raw materials needed for the next generation of domestic gigafactories.