Hyundai and Lithion Team Up to Recycle 98% of Minerals from EV Batteries

Hyundai Canada has named Lithion as its official partner for recycling electric vehicle batteries across the country. The multi-year agreement, announced earlier this month, builds upon an initial collaboration established in 2021 to validate Lithion's mineral extraction technology.

Under the new partnership, Lithion will manage the collection and recycling of lithium-ion batteries from over 250 Hyundai and Genesis dealerships nationwide. This initiative supports Hyundai's efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its electric vehicles.

Comprehensive Recycling Process

When a Hyundai or Genesis dealership has an end-of-life EV battery, they can now contact Lithion directly. The company will then transport the battery to its recycling plant in Saint-Bruno, near Montreal, which opened in June 2024.

Lithion's responsibilities encompass the entire recycling process, including logistics, collection, dismantling, and recycling. Their advanced technology can recover up to 98% of the minerals contained in EV batteries, contributing to a more circular economy for battery materials.

Ken Maisonville, Executive Director of Customer Experience and Aftersales at Hyundai Auto Canada, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "As a leader in the transition towards electrification, it is important for us to ensure that the electric vehicles we sell into the market have the lowest carbon footprint as possible. This partnership with Lithion allows us to ensure optimal recycling of our batteries, all while doing business with a Canadian company."

Growing Impact in the EV Ecosystem

Since completing its first commercial plant for extracting critical minerals from lithium-ion batteries, Lithion has seen significant growth in its commercial activities. The company has secured several multi-year agreements for battery feedstock, involving both local and international partners within the electric vehicle ecosystem.

Yves Noël, Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer at Lithion, expressed pride in the partnership: "Today, we are extremely proud to count this global leader in the automotive industry among our customers. This partnership paves the way forward globally and here in Canada by reaffirming Lithion's critical, pivotal and essential role in the battery manufacturing value chain."

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, partnerships like this one between Hyundai and Lithion are likely to become increasingly important in managing the lifecycle of EV batteries and supporting sustainable transportation solutions.