Research project seeks to utilize a new process for
recovering critical battery materials
Process can be used on end-of-life automotive batteries as
well as manufacturing scrap
ANN
ARBOR, Mich., April 30,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor North America
('Toyota') announces that it has entered a Cooperative Research and
Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Department of Energy's
Argonne National Laboratory to investigate the development of a
direct recycling process for lithium-ion batteries, which are
prevalent in new electric vehicles. The focus of the research will
be on cathode chemistries made of nickel, manganese, and
cobalt.
"Having Argonne utilize our commercial battery products will
help us evaluate the direct recycling process at an industrial
scale, in addition to other battery recycling technologies to
maintain a diverse portfolio of recycling options for a diverse
array of battery platforms and chemistries," says Nik Singh, Senior Scientist in the Toyota
Research Institute of North
America (TRINA)'s Materials Research Department. "Toyota is
in a unique position to bridge aspects of fundamental research with
product evaluation, development and commercialization, to help its
U.S. battery manufacturing achieve better circularity and supply
chain security."
For the project, Toyota will provide Argonne with both
end-of-life and new Toyota batteries. Argonne will adapt and test
its patent-pending direct recycling process with the batteries.
Further, TRINA, Toyota's in-house entity for exploring
next-generation technologies, will lend its expertise to validate
this "proof-of-concept" study.
"Based on preliminary projections, direct recycling can
potentially offer significant cost and carbon footprint savings,"
says Sarah Kennedy, Operations
Manager of Toyota's Battery Lifecycle Solutions Business
Development team. "Toyota's Battery Lifecycle Solutions entity will
help identify the appropriate pathway for the potential future
commercialization of this technology, pending the outcome of the
CRADA, as the project is projected to deliver a net improvement in
battery materials manufacturing costs, waste and carbon
footprint."
The collaborative project with Argonne is part of Toyota's
pursuit of designing a closed-loop battery ecosystem aimed at
maximizing sustainability. In 2015, Toyota announced the
Environmental Challenge 2050, a set of goals to achieve carbon
neutrality across the vehicle lifecycle by 2050. For electrified
vehicles, this includes battery recycling, whether after first use
or after being repurposed or refurbished, to ensure that raw
materials are extracted and put back into the production
process.
Additional information about the project and Argonne's research
at its ReCell Center can be found here.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the
U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing
sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who
have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more
than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants.
By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North
Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for
electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road
than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 27 electrified
options.
Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota
USA Foundation has committed to
creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership
with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the
company's 14 U.S. operating sites.
For more information about Toyota, visit
www.ToyotaNewsroom.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rick Bourgoise
richard.bourgoise@toyota.com
(313) 405-5972
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America