Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Princeton NuEnergy Inc. (PNE) have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance collaboration on next-generation lithium-ion battery recycling technologies. The agreement signals both companies’ intent to strengthen the circular battery materials supply chain and support U.S. energy independence through recycling and rejuvenation pathways.
Highlights
- Multi-year collaboration: Honda and PNE have conducted joint technical validation since 2022, testing PNE’s plasma-based Direct Recycling and Upcycling technologies on battery manufacturing scrap and end-of-life materials.
- Performance validation: PNE has produced rejuvenated NMC cathode active material with performance comparable to virgin material.
- Commercial pathway: The MOU establishes a framework for collaborative validation projects and potential future commercial-scale applications.
- Strategic alignment: The partnership connects Honda’s global electrification strategy with PNE’s closed-loop battery materials platform.
Technical Collaboration Framework
The partnership builds on three years of joint technical work. PNE’s plasma-based technology addresses both manufacturing scrap and end-of-life battery materials, producing battery-grade cathode active material through what the company calls its Cathode-to-Cathode direct recycling process.
Dr. Chao Yan, Co-Founder and CEO of Princeton NuEnergy, stated that the collaboration demonstrates strong technical alignment and a clear pathway for advancing circular battery materials.
Honda acknowledged the importance of advanced recycling technologies in building a more sustainable materials ecosystem, describing the MOU as an important step in supporting its global electrification strategy.
PNE Manufacturing Expansion
The announcement follows PNE’s recent recognition with the “2025 Smart Move SC New Plant Award” for its U.S. manufacturing expansion. The company’s domestic production supports critical minerals and energy-security objectives.
PNE’s technology platform spans multiple business lines:
- Direct Recycling: Cathode-to-Cathode processing
- Advanced Black Mass production
- Upcycled cathode active material (CAM)
Company Backgrounds
Princeton NuEnergy positions itself as a cost-effective, energy- and capital-efficient U.S. producer of battery-grade cathode active material for lithium-ion batteries. The company operates a proprietary closed-loop platform focused on strengthening domestic battery supply chains.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) has established two 2050 targets: achieving carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities, and eliminating traffic fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles worldwide.
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