Synetiq processes thousands of cars each year and currently has an inventory of damaged EVs across its UK facilities. The company has invested heavily in equipment to remove the batteries from these cars and store them safely. LV= Insurance works closely with Synetiq with the recovery and recycling of EV batteries from damaged or ‘total loss’ vehicles insured by LV=. These batteries will be processed at Altilium’s state-of-the-art technology centre in Devon, to recover the valuable raw materials, including lithium and nickel, for direct reuse in the production of new batteries.
Altilium is currently the only company in the UK recovering these critical battery metals from battery waste. Using advanced hydrometallurgical recycling processes, the company can recover over 95 percent of the battery metals. This innovative process results in a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the use of virgin materials in battery production, and 20 percent lower costs, paving the way for more affordable and accessible electric vehicles.
“At the core of Synetiq's operations lies a commitment to sustainability, reuse, repurposing, and recycling” said Tom Rumboll, CEO, Synetiq, commenting on the collaboration. “These principles are essential for us to fulfil our mission of maximising both the economic and environmental benefits derived from each vehicle received from our valued clients. Through our collaboration with Altilium and LV=, we aim to establish complete circularity in the UK, particularly in a pivotal sector for the energy transition. This collaboration has the potential to substantially diminish CO2e emissions, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future.”
Over the next decade, over 100 million EV batteries are expected to reach end of life globally. The UK is the second largest market for EVs in Europe but currently exports battery waste to Europe and Asia for processing, which is costly and results in more carbon emissions. By creating a domestic capacity for battery recycling, Altilium is offering an environmentally friendly solution for battery disposal and ensuring that the valuable resources remain in the UK supply chain.
“Our collaboration with Synetiq marks a pivotal moment in achieving a circular economy for EV batteries in the UK and reducing our reliance on imported battery materials” added Rod Savage, Programme Director, End-of-Life Batteries at Altilium. “Our recycling technology plays a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of battery production and supporting the adoption of EVs. Together, we are transforming the future of sustainable transportation in the UK.”
Working with Synetiq will help to secure feedstock supply for Altilium’s fully circular battery recycling ecosystem, which will include the UK’s largest battery recycling and refining plant, to be located in Teesside. The plant will have the capacity to recycle waste batteries from 150,000 EVs a year, producing 30,000 MT of CAM, enough to meet 20 percent of the expected UK demand by 2030. Altilium also plans to establish a number of regional battery recycling stations across the UK, some of which could be located within Synetiq’s facilities, including Doncaster and Winsford.
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