Introduction: EV Battery Recycling in India
Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer futuristic, they are today’s reality. India is experiencing an EV boom, with sales crossing 1.5 million units in 2024, and the numbers are only rising. But with this surge comes a pressing challenge: what happens when EV batteries reach the end of their life cycle?
By 2025, India is expected to generate over 50,000 tonnes of lithium-ion battery waste annually, a figure that will multiply by 2030. If not handled properly, discarded batteries can cause environmental hazards, resource wastage, and fire risks. That’s why EV battery recycling in India 2025 is gaining momentum as a crucial industry that turns waste into wealth.
Table of Contents
The Current State of EV Battery Recycling in India
- India is still in the early stage of EV battery recycling compared to China or Europe.
- Most recycling plants are concentrated in metro regions like Delhi-NCR, Pune, and Bengaluru.
- Informal recycling is widespread but lacks efficiency and environmental safety.
Currently, only 5-7% of EV battery waste is being formally recycled, but with rising EV adoption, the ecosystem is rapidly evolving.
Key Recycling Technologies in 2025
Recycling is not just about crushing old batteries. Today, advanced technologies ensure recovery of valuable elements like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese.
Hydrometallurgy
- Uses aqueous solutions to dissolve and recover metals.
- High recovery efficiency (up to 95%).
- Widely used in India’s upcoming plants.
Pyrometallurgy
- High-temperature smelting.
- Energy-intensive but suitable for large-scale recycling.
Direct Recycling
- Repairs and reuses cathode material directly.
- Still in pilot stages but cost-effective.
External Reference: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), advanced hydrometallurgy could help India achieve 90%+ recycling efficiency by 2030.
Top Players Driving EV Battery Recycling in India
Several Indian startups and established companies are emerging as leaders:
- Lohum – Specializes in repurposing batteries for energy storage.
- Attero Recycling – India’s largest e-waste recycling company, already scaling lithium recovery.
- Tata Chemicals – Developing chemical recycling technologies.
- Recykal – Offers digital waste traceability platforms.
Government Policies Supporting Recycling
The Indian government is actively pushing battery recycling through regulations like:
- Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 – Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
- PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC) – Incentives for setting up gigafactories.
- Green Hydrogen Mission – Creating synergy between EV batteries and renewable energy storage.
In 2025, the Ministry of Environment is expected to mandate recycling targets for EV manufacturers, ensuring circular economy practices.
How EV Battery Recycling Creates Wealth
Recycling is not just an environmental necessity; it’s also an economic opportunity.
- Material Recovery: Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are expensive and mostly imported. Recycling reduces dependence on China.
- Job Creation: The sector is expected to generate over 50,000 jobs by 2030.
- Second-Life Applications: Old EV batteries are reused in solar farms and energy storage units.
- Cost Reduction: Recycling helps lower the overall EV battery cost, making EVs more affordable.
Challenges Ahead
Despite progress, challenges remain:
- Lack of large-scale recycling infrastructure.
- High costs of setting up recycling plants.
- Safety concerns in transporting used batteries.
- Limited consumer awareness about returning old batteries.
Global Lessons for India
- China leads the world with over 200 battery recycling plants.
- Europe enforces strict recycling quotas and circular economy policies.
- USA invests heavily in R&D and startup funding.
India can adapt these best practices while focusing on cost-efficient solutions for its unique market.
Future Outlook: EV Battery Recycling in India 2030
By 2030, India could recycle 90% of used EV batteries, creating a circular economy worth $5 billion. Advanced AI-driven recycling plants, blockchain-based waste tracking, and public-private partnerships will drive this transformation.
In short, EV battery recycling in India 2025 is the bridge between sustainability and profitability.
FAQs: EV Battery Recycling in India 2025
Q1. Why is EV battery recycling important in India?
Because it reduces pollution, recovers expensive metals, and supports energy security.
Q2. Which companies are leading EV battery recycling in India?
Lohum, Attero Recycling, Tata Chemicals, and Recykal.
Q3. What are second-life batteries used for?
They are repurposed for solar farms, home energy storage, and backup power systems.
Q4. What policies support EV battery recycling in India?
Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 and PLI incentives for gigafactories.
Q5. What is the future of EV battery recycling in India?
By 2030, India aims to recover 90% of critical battery materials, creating a $5B industry.
