Ascend Elements Leads US in Sustainable EV Battery Recycling
Ascend Elements, a Massachusetts-based recycler, has made significant strides in sustainable electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling. The company's Covington facility, operational since 2022, is one of the largest in North America, capable of processing 30,000 metric tons of batteries annually. It recovers over 98% of critical materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt, reducing environmental impact and supporting the wider adoption of EVs.
Ascend Elements' innovative Hydro-to-Cathode® technology transforms spent lithium-ion cells into high-purity lithium carbonate for new cathode active materials. This not only creates a circular economy for battery production but also cuts carbon emissions by 49% compared to traditional mining and refinement, with a goal to achieve a 90% reduction by 2030.
The surge in EV adoption has increased the urgency to address the environmental impact of spent lithium-ion batteries. Ascend Elements is the first US-based company to achieve this feat, positioning the nation as a leader in sustainable EV practices. The company's recycling method reduces the need for environmentally destructive mining operations and lowers production costs, supporting the wider adoption of EVs by lowering battery and vehicle manufacturing costs.
Ascend Elements' success is supported by key U.S. authorities such as the U.S. Department of Energy, which has awarded the company substantial grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. State-level governments like the administration of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear have also shown support. These federal and state agencies influence regulations, funding, and industry support critical to the success of battery recycling companies like Ascend Elements. The company is scaling operations and forming partnerships with automakers to integrate recycled materials into new batteries, demonstrating the feasibility of a circular economy.
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