Porsche Launches Battery Recycling Pilot to Drive Circular Economy in the UK
Porsche has launched a groundbreaking pilot project to recover valuable raw materials from high-voltage electric vehicle batteries and establish a sustainable closed-loop recycling system. The initiative addresses the increasing importance of recycled battery materials and promotes the responsible handling of high-voltage batteries.
By collaborating with external partners, Porsche plans to build a long-term recycling network that will reduce its dependence on volatile and geopolitically unstable raw material markets.
“With the help of innovative recycling processes, we aim to boost our independence from unpredictable global supply chains,” explains Barbara Frenkel, Member of the Executive Board for Procurement at Porsche. “The circular economy is a key pillar of our sustainability strategy, and this pilot project underscores our commitment.”
Phase One:
Porsche begins by mechanically shredding high-voltage batteries from development vehicles at the end of their service life. This process produces a "black mass" – a granulated material rich in essential raw elements such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. To date, approximately 65 tonnes of black mass have been generated.
Phase Two:
The black mass is refined and separated into high-purity raw materials suitable for producing new battery cells. Ensuring quality and consistency is a top priority for Porsche, which aims to make electric vehicle batteries that meet the highest performance standards.
Phase Three:
In the final stage, Porsche will manufacture high-voltage battery cells using a defined proportion of the recovered materials. These batteries will be tested to determine their suitability for future Porsche models.
This pilot project reflects Porsche’s comprehensive commitment to the circular economy. By recovering, processing, and reusing critical resources, the company extends the lifecycle of essential materials and significantly reduces the environmental footprint of battery production.
Porsche’s initiative supports its sustainability goals and prepares the company for forthcoming EU regbattery production regulations, set tofect in 2031. Through the early adoption of recycled materials, Porsche strengthens its leadership in responsible resource management while actively contributing to environmental protection.
With this strategic approach, Porsche reaffirms its role as a key player in shaping the future of sustainable mobility.