Stellantis N.V. and Orano have revealed their intention to enter into a joint venture aimed at recycling end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries and scrap derived from gigafactories. This collaboration will primarily span the regions of Enlarged Europe and North America.
Why It Matters
This partnership between Stellantis and Orano is pivotal for several reasons:
- It reinforces Stellantis’ endeavors in the electric vehicle battery value chain by ensuring added accessibility to essential elements like cobalt, nickel, and lithium.
- The recycled materials, namely cobalt, nickel, and lithium, align with Stellantis’ ambition for a circular economy and align with the European Union’s 2031 directive for battery recycling.
- Both companies are taking a significant leap towards promoting a global circular approach to manufacturing and consumption, which is increasingly being recognized as essential for sustainable business.
Key Points
- The partnership is part of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, aiming to be a carbon net-zero firm by 2038.
- Orano’s groundbreaking, eco-friendly technology will enable the complete recovery of materials from lithium-ion batteries and the development of fresh cathode materials.
- The partnership will give birth to materials frequently referred to as “black mass” or “active mass.”
- Orano’s planned hydrometallurgical plant in Dunkirk, France, will refine these materials, facilitating their reuse in batteries, symbolizing the full circle of the circular economy.
- Orano’s innovative technology can achieve impressive metal recovery rates exceeding 90%. This aligns with European Commission standards and emphasizes the sustainability of their business model.
Bottom Line
Stellantis, guided by its Dare Forward 2030 vision, is aggressively aiming to amplify its recycling revenues, targeting more than €2 billion in total circular economy earnings by the end of this decade. The company’s roadmap also includes becoming a carbon net-zero enterprise by 2038. Furthermore, by early 2026, the newly formed recycling venture is set to kick off its operations by leveraging existing Stellantis infrastructure. Investments are also in place for reskilling and upskilling both Stellantis and Orano staff, ensuring a sustainable future for them in their renewed roles. This joint venture, while promising, awaits final documentation agreement.
