By signing a memorandum of understanding, Stellantis N.V. and Orano have announced a substantial partnership that will focus on recycling old electric vehicle (EV) batteries and scrap produced by gigafactories in North America and Expanded Europe. Stellantis’ position in the value chain for EV batteries is strengthened by this strategic cooperation since it ensures a more consistent supply of elements like cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which are crucial for electrification and the transition to a sustainable global energy system.
In accordance with its Dare Forward 2030 strategy plan, Stellantis is dedicated to sustainability and the circular economy. The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations have emphasized the significance of creative approaches, like this partnership with Orano, to address the limitation of natural resources and improve sustainability.
Technology used
The joint venture will make use of Orano’s state-of-the-art, low-carbon technology, which can effectively recover all materials from lithium-ion batteries and produce new cathode materials, sometimes known as “black mass” or “active mass.” In order to complete the circular economy, these materials may be processed in a new Orano hydrometallurgical facility in Dunkirk, France, allowing for their reuse in batteries. This procedure, which boasts recovery rates that above 90%, complies with the European Commission’s goals for EV battery recycling rates and increases the viability of the business model.
Orano portrays itself as a significant actor in the entire value chain, from battery recycling to cathode material manufacturing, in light of the rising demand for critical metals and Europe’s reliance on them.
Stellantis aims to significantly increase recycling revenues and achieve over €2 billion in total circular economy revenues by 2030 as part of its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. The company is also on track to become a carbon-neutral corporation by 2038, covering all scopes of emissions for different transport vehicles.
The joint venture is set to provide solutions for managing end-of-life batteries for electric vehicles along with gigafactory scrap for Stellantis partners, after-sales networks, and other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Production is scheduled to commence in early 2026, utilizing existing Stellantis assets and facilities while also investing in the training and development of Stellantis and Orano employees, ensuring a sustainable future for workers in their new roles.
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