Shandong facility gets the most out of old NEV batteries

At a battery recycling facility in Hedong district of Linyi, Shandong province, the used batteries from new energy vehicles are processed into lithium, copper and aluminum powder in just over 10 minutes. This project, initiated at the end of last year, aims to transform old batteries into valuable resources.

As China steers toward a carbon dioxide peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060, the new energy vehicle sector faces a rapid expansion. However, the recycling of used batteries, laden with heavy metals and environmental risks, presents a crucial challenge.

"In our city, new energy vehicles accounted for nearly half of all car sales last year, with a rapid growth of 40 percent, indicating the battery recycling facility in the district has a big market potential," said Sun Quancheng, a senior official of Hedong district.