JLR Unveils UK’s First EV Battery Cells Made from Recycled Materials

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and UK-based clean technology firm Altilium have developed the UK's first electric vehicle (EV) battery cells made entirely from recycled materials, using Altilium's EcoCathode process to recover and upcycle metals like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and graphite from end-of-life EV batteries. These recycled NMC 811 multilayer pouch cells perform comparably to conventional batteries and are undergoing comprehensive validation at JLR’s advanced battery testing facilities. An independent life cycle assessment confirms that using 100% recycled cathode active material could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 32% compared to batteries made with new mined materials, while also decreasing pollution and resource depletion. The project, supported by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, aims to strengthen the UK supply chain, reduce reliance on imports, and support the automotive sector’s sustainability targets. The innovation was showcased at the Cenex Expo 2025, highlighting the potential for a circular economy in EV batteries and demonstrating how recycled cells can be integrated into vehicles like the Jaguar I-Pace. This breakthrough marks a significant technical step forward in battery recycling and environmental impact reduction in the UK automotive industry.