As the world accelerates toward cleaner energy and electric mobility, lithium-ion batteries have become the backbone of this global transition. From electric scooters to high-performance EVs, from consumer electronics to large-scale grid storage—these energy-dense cells are transforming how we power our lives. Yet, as deployment surges, a parallel challenge has emerged: what happens when these batteries reach their end of life?
At LOHUM, we’re building sustainable solutions for tomorrow by closing the loop on battery materials today. Our mission is clear: to extend battery lifespans, reduce dependence on virgin resources, and make clean energy truly circular.
A Ticking Clock: The Coming Surge in Battery Retirements
The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and battery-based energy storage is fueling exponential growth in lithium-ion battery usage. Analysts predict that by 2030, more than 2 million metric tonnes of lithium-ion batteries will retire annually—equivalent to batteries from over 500,000 vehicles each year.
Despite this looming influx, EV batteries currently constitute only a fraction of the vehicle market. Most batteries reaching end-of-life today come from consumer electronics or early-generation EVs. But that’s changing fast. Over 50% of all EV sales in the U.S. occurred in the past two years alone, suggesting a wave of battery retirements is on the horizon within the next 8–10 years.
Not the End, But a New Beginning: Battery Second-Life and Recycling
A lithium-ion battery is considered “retired” when its capacity drops below 80% of its original rating. But this doesn’t mean it’s useless. At LOHUM, we view every used battery not as waste—but as a resource. Through lithium-ion battery second-life applications, these cells can be repurposed into lower-power, stationary storage systems for solar, grid, or backup applications—adding 6 to 10 years of useful life.
Refurbished Li-ion Battery Application isn’t just a sustainability measure—it’s a smart economic decision. In several use cases, batteries can be refurbished for direct use in other vehicles or stationary systems. This practice not only extends the battery’s lifecycle but also reduces the environmental impact and material costs of producing new batteries.
The Technological Shift: From Pyrometallurgy to Direct Recycling
Current commercial recycling processes for lithium-ion batteries involve either pyrometallurgy (smelting at temperatures over 1500°C) or hydrometallurgy (chemical leaching). While these processes recover valuable metals like cobalt, nickel, and copper, they’re energy-intensive and often result in the loss of lithium and aluminum—either trapped in slag or needing additional treatment.
Emerging direct recycling technologies are promising game-changers. Instead of completely breaking down the battery, this method recovers the cathode compound intact and refunctionalizes it—adding lithium back into the structure without losing its engineered performance. This not only improves efficiency but also helps in retaining the highest-value component of the battery, the cathode, without costly reprocessing.
Recent breakthroughs have demonstrated that directly recycled cathodes can outperform virgin material. A study published in Joule found that recycled cathodes had better porosity, enabling faster charging and longer lifespans. These particles resist cracking better than conventional cathodes—solving one of the key issues behind battery degradation.
Materials Matter: The Critical Mineral Equation
Lithium-ion batteries are composed of highly valuable minerals—primarily lithium, nickel, and cobalt. These elements account for nearly 50% of battery costs. Yet, price volatility for these metals remains high, with fluctuations reaching up to 300% in a single year.
Moreover, over 60% of the global cobalt supply comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo—a region often associated with unethical mining practices, environmental degradation, and human rights concerns. By recovering materials through recycling, LOHUM contributes to reducing global reliance on such vulnerable supply chains and enhances energy security.
Circular Economy & Policy Support: The Time Is Now
Creating a sustainable and circular system for lithium-ion batteries isn’t just about technology. Policy and infrastructure will play crucial roles. The State of California is now pushing for 100% recycling or reuse of all EV batteries sold within the state. Measures like extended producer responsibility, deposit schemes, and battery labeling standards are steps in the right direction.
LOHUM supports forward-thinking policy development and actively collaborates with industry leaders and policymakers to foster a regulatory framework that supports ethical recycling, domestic material recovery, and green job creation.
LOHUM’s Role: Bridging Innovation with Impact
At LOHUM, we believe in not just innovating for impact—but innovating responsibly. Through our proprietary refining, repurposing, and refurbishing technologies, we provide end-to-end solutions for battery reuse and material recovery. Our approach includes:
- Battery testing and diagnostics for second-life qualification
- Refurbishment and module recombination for energy storage and mobility
- Cathode and anode material recovery with low-carbon processes
- Reintegration into the battery supply chain through sustainable sourcing
Whether it’s Refurbished Li-ion Battery Application for mobility or lithium-ion battery second-life applications in energy storage, our mission remains the same: To make energy cleaner, longer-lasting, and circular.
Looking Ahead
As the world electrifies at an unprecedented pace, the importance of battery reuse and recycling cannot be overstated. With demand for battery minerals projected to grow tenfold in the next decade, recycling isn’t just an environmental responsibility—it’s an economic necessity.
By innovating today, LOHUM is helping build a future where lithium-ion batteries don’t just power progress—they sustain it.
Visit us at: Li-ion battery waste management
