Japan develops a method to recover up to 90% of lithium from used EV batteries
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Japanese scientists recover up to 90% of lithium from used EV batteries using a new chemical method.
Engineers in Japan developed a method to extract roughly 90% of lithium from used EV batteries, far exceeding the <50% recovery of traditional methods. The process uses recovered lithium hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide to convert battery waste (black mass) into high-purity lithium for reuse. Researchers claim it cuts carbon emissions by 40% over conventional recycling. Japan currently imports nearly all its battery minerals, but the country aims to ramp up production by 2027 and extract tens of thousands of tons annually by 2035. Only about 14% of used lithium-ion batteries in Japan enter official recycling systems.
What commenters are saying
Commenters were split between excitement about the breakthrough and skepticism. Many criticized the article's writing quality, noting the source (Supercar Blondie). A key camp questioned why Japan is slow to adopt EVs despite this recycling advance: some argued Japanese automakers are risk-averse and have fallen behind Tesla and Chinese makers, while others pointed to high electricity costs, poor charging infrastructure, and a culture favoring kei cars and minivans. One commenter noted that EV sales in Japan doubled in early 2026 thanks to increased subsidies.