Porsche has launched a pilot project aimed at recovering valuable raw materials from high-voltage EV batteries after their use, testing a potential closed-loop raw material cycle. This initiative highlights the increasing importance of recycled battery materials and promotes responsible handling of end-of-life EV batteries. In the long term, Porsche plans to establish a battery recycling network in collaboration with external partners.
“With innovative recycling processes, we strive to increase our independence from volatile and geopolitically unstable raw material markets. Circular Economy is a core pillar of our sustainability strategy, and this pilot project underscores our ambitions.”
Barbara Frenkel, Executive Board Member for Procurement at Porsche
Three-Phase Recycling Process
Porsche’s battery recycling project consists of three key phases:
- Material Recovery – High-voltage batteries from development vehicles are mechanically shredded, producing black mass, a granulate mixture containing nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium. So far, 65 tons of black mass have been processed.
- Refining & Separation – The extracted black mass is further processed to separate essential battery-grade raw materials, ensuring high purity for reuse in EV battery production.
- Production of Recycled Battery Cells – Porsche aims to manufacture high-voltage battery cells using a defined proportion of recycled materials, testing their potential use in Porsche EVs.
- Driving Innovation & Sustainability in Battery Recycling
This initiative demonstrates Porsche’s commitment to a circular economy by recovering, processing, and reusing materials from decommissioned EV batteries. By extending the lifecycle of key raw materials, Porsche aims to reduce the environmental impact of battery production and align with EU battery regulations set to take effect from 2031.
With this forward-thinking approach, Porsche is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable battery technology, ensuring efficient resource management and regulatory compliance in the evolving EV landscape.
