Porsche has initiated a pilot project to recover valuable raw materials from decommissioned high-voltage batteries, aiming to test a closed-loop recycling process and establish a broader battery recycling network in collaboration with external partners.
The project is structured in three phases, starting with the mechanical shredding of end-of-life batteries from development vehicles to produce what the company calls “black mass.” This granulated material contains essential battery metals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium. Porsche has so far processed approximately 65 tonnes of black mass, the company said.
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In the next phase, the extracted black mass will undergo further refinement to separate and purify individual raw materials for battery production. Porsche highlighted the importance of maintaining high purity levels in the recycled materials to ensure their suitability for manufacturing high-performance battery cells.
The final phase will see Porsche integrate a specified proportion of the recycled materials into new high-voltage battery cells, which will be tested in Porsche vehicles. “The pilot project demonstrates Porsche’s holistic understanding of the circular economy: valuable raw materials from decommissioned high-voltage batteries are recovered, processed, and reused in new products,” the company stated.
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Porsche said its initiative aligns with the European Union’s upcoming battery regulations, set to take effect in 2031, which will impose stricter requirements on battery recycling and sustainability practices.
“With the help of innovative recycling processes, we strive to increase our independence from volatile and geopolitically unstable raw material markets,” said Barbara Frenkel, Porsche’s Executive Board Member for Procurement. “Circular economy is a core pillar of our sustainability strategy, and with this pilot project, we want to underscore our ambitions.”
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The move comes as Porsche deepens its involvement in battery production. In January, the company took over battery manufacturer Varta after receiving approval from the Stuttgart Regional Court. Last summer, Porsche also invested in battery recycling startup Cylib, which recently began construction of its recycling facility. Additionally, Porsche has entered into a recycling partnership with Webasto.
The German automaker’s increasing focus on battery technology follows reported dissatisfaction with battery supply from Swedish manufacturer Northvolt. By establishing its own recycling and production capabilities, Porsche aims to secure a more stable supply of critical materials for its electric vehicle lineup.