EV news

Where EV batteries go to die – and be reborn

Published

2 months ago

April 8, 2025

Recycling Dead EV Batteries for New Power

In a sleepy, south-western English town, an extraordinary process is in motion that holds promise to improve not only the future of electric vehicles but also how we cope with their environmental burden. At a recycling company named Altilium, old EV batteries are shredded, pulverized and ground into a fine, dark powder known as “black mass.” The powder, which may not look like much, is a treasure trove of minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite — all of which are essential components of new batteries. The facility’s job is to pull out these materials and recycle them, allowing spent batteries to reincarnate.

As the world shifts further toward electrification, the demand for electric vehicles and the batteries that power them has skyrocketed. Almost one in five cars sold around the world last year was electric, according to the International Energy Agency. However, this expansion has come with a major caveat: obtaining the materials necessary to make these batteries is both environmentally and ethically fraught. Countries including Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo dominate the supply of metals such as nickel and cobalt, but mining operations there have long been under the stain of human rights abuses.

With demand only to continue to grow, the need to identify alternative sources has intensified, and recycling has become a critical part of the solution. But recycling batteries is not an easy business. The materials inside are tightly packed and often toxic, which makes it hard to separate and recover them safely. Altilium thinks it has a viable path forward. In its lab, tubes of bright liquids flow through glass tubes as techs meticulously fish metals from the black mass. It’s a fragile and highly specialized process, and one that the company is scaling up now. Recycling Dead EV Batteries for New Power

Their space in Tavistock started as an empty shed in 2022, but has developed into a working lab that is getting ready to deliver recycled materials for battery manufacturers. The company is one of a small but growing set of innovators around the world that are trying to close the loop on EV battery production — converting old, spent cells into raw materials for new ones.

Battery recycling is not only an environmental issue — it’s increasingly an economic and geopolitical concern. As traditional sources of critical minerals face increasing unreliability, nations around the world are recognizing the strategic value of domestic recycling capabilities. Rather than sending used batteries overseas to be processed under suspect environmental and labor standards, Altilium wants to do so closer to home. This keeps the materials and the value they create domestic.

Their cheaper, less polluting technique is a variation on a process known as hydrometallurgy, in contrast to an older high-heat technique known as pyrometallurgy. Altilium can isolate graphite by soaking black mass in acid, to be subsequently cleaned and reused. The rest of the solution is a cocktail of metals. By varying the acidity and using a series of chemical extractions, the team can recover nickel, cobalt, and manganese separately — all of which can be customized to what modern battery makers require.

The flexibility afforded by this approach is one its biggest advantages. As companies strive for greater performance and lower costs, battery chemistries are advancing rapidly. Altilium’s system can respond to such changes by extracting and blending certain metals as necessary. It’s a method that could develop a dependable, closed-loop solution for batteries in the UK.

Other companies are moving into the recycling space as well. In the U.S., companies such as Redwood Materials and Li-Cycle have established major operations here, aided by government incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act. Europe, too, is getting in the act, with new regulations that will soon require stronger recycling efficiency and higher recovered content in new batteries. But even with this increasing interest, most experts say the battery recycling sector remains in its infancy.

The stakes are high. If it works, copper recycling on a widespread industrial scale could sharply cut our dependence on mining, which damages ecosystems and has social costs, too. By 2040, some researchers predict that more than half the demand for key battery metals including lithium and nickel could come from recycling. And in four to six years, recycling could provide as much as 40% of the raw materials used in new EV batteries.”

Altilium says it can dramatically reduce costs, up to 20% over materials extracted using mining methods, simply by scaling up its process. And, with the capacity to process 150,000 EV batteries per year, it is trying to stand at the forefront of a quickly moving industry.

Ultimately, battery recycling is not only about rescuing the planet. It is about getting control of the materials and infrastructure necessary to fuel the economies of the future. And as global tensions and trade disruptions increase uncertainty over the availability of resources, nations with robust systems for recycling their own waste will have a clear competitive advantage. For the UK, and for the world, it could mean not only cleaner energy — but also a more stable and self-sufficient course ahead.

Article By
Sourabh Gupta

Blog

Tata Harrier EV Launch: A Bold Leap Into India’s Electric Future

Published

20 hours ago

June 7, 2025

Sourabh Gupta

Tata Harrier EV parked outdoors showing front-side view with blue body and bold design.

Tata Motors Charges Ahead with the Harrier EV

If there’s one brand that’s been consistently pushing India’s EV journey forward, it’s Tata Motors. And with the debut of the Tata Harrier EV, they’ve now taken a serious step into the premium electric SUV space.

Unveiled recently, the Harrier EV isn’t just a regular SUV with a battery stuck inside. It’s been thoughtfully reimagined for electric mobility—blending Tata’s rugged SUV styling with cleaner tech, better efficiency, and a promise of range that actually makes sense for Indian roads.

A Striking Electric SUV That Retains Its DNA

What you’ll notice first is this: the Harrier EV still looks like a Harrier—but with sharper lines and an EV attitude. The bold stance is intact, but there’s a closed-off grille, sleek headlamps, and aerodynamic wheels that give it a more future-ready vibe.

There’s no loud EV branding. Just clean detailing, blue accents, and a neat ‘EV’ badge that lets you know it’s electric, without shouting about it. It’s the kind of styling update that doesn’t alienate existing Harrier fans, but still offers something fresh for EV buyers.

Electric Power Meets Performance

Tata hasn’t shared all the numbers yet, but here’s what we do know: the Harrier EV will run on their Gen 2 EV architecture, built to support dual motor setups and AWD. So this isn’t just a city slicker—it’s being positioned for real driving conditions.

The expected battery capacity is in the 60–70 kWh range, and real-world driving range could touch 500 km. More importantly, it’ll support DC fast charging, and early test units are said to hit 10% to 80% in under an hour. That makes it road-trip ready, not just grocery-run friendly.

Tech-Savvy and Feature-Rich Cabin

Inside, Tata’s clearly gone for an upgrade. The cabin is cleaner and more digital than ever, with a wide touchscreen, a fully digital driver display, and all the features we’ve come to expect from a premium SUV.

You’ll get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and even ADAS features in the top variant. Tata is also expected to include vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability—yes, you’ll be able to charge devices from your SUV’s battery if needed.

Expected Price and Launch Timeline

Tata says the Harrier EV will launch in late 2024 or early 2025, and from what’s being said in the auto circles, the price could start at around ₹27–30 lakh (ex-showroom).

At that price, it’s not trying to compete with budget EVs. It’s going after buyers who are already looking at the MG ZS EV or those waiting for Mahindra’s upcoming BE.05. If Tata pulls off the right mix of pricing, features, and after-sales support, the Harrier EV could shake up the segment.

Why the Harrier EV Launch Matters

This is bigger than just one launch. The Harrier EV shows that Tata Motors is serious about covering the entire EV pyramid—from budget commuters to full-size SUVs.

In a market where EVs still make up a small percentage of overall car sales, launches like this push the envelope. They signal to buyers that they can now get space, safety, and EV performance, without feeling like early adopters.

Industry Reaction and Market Buzz

The launch has been met with a lot of interest, especially online. Enthusiasts are dissecting design details, reviewers are already guessing battery specs, and fans are comparing it with ICE Harrier models.

There’s a clear buzz. Even people who weren’t considering an EV are now thinking: maybe I should wait and see what this offers.

The Road Ahead for Tata EVs

Tata didn’t just electrify the Harrier. They evolved it. It’s familiar enough to feel like home but different enough to be exciting. And in a country where practicality and value matter, they’ve balanced both with this offering.

If Tata delivers on the promises—range, features, price—the Harrier EV might just become the benchmark for premium Indian electric SUVs in the coming years.

Article By
Sourabh Gupta

Blog

New Developments in the Indian Electric Vehicle Market: Growth, Challenges & What’s Next

Published

4 days ago

June 4, 2025

Sourabh Gupta

India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is seeing increased interest, investment, and innovation. New model launches and the strengthening of favorable policies drive the shift to clean transportation. However, despite such encouraging news, India’s EV market share remains less than expected, which raises questions about what is holding the industry back.

Let’s see the current trends defining India’s EV journey and why it is essential to overcome key challenges in order to achieve true transformation.

New EVs Are on the Way, Here’s What to Expect

The EV ecosystem in India is going to see a flood of “new electric vehicles specifically designed for Indian roads and users.” The upcoming launches aim at

Urban-friendly range
Cost-effective pricing
Practical yet compact design
Improved comfort for everyday commutes

Manufacturers are catering to the increasing demand for vehicles that are eco-friendly, reliable, and Indian infrastructure-compliant. Whether passenger cars or commercial EVs, this category is expanding rapidly with domestic as well as foreign players heating up on both sides.

EV Sales Up, But Market Share Still Modest

A recent market report indicates that while “EV sales have increased significantly between 2014 and 2023,” their “market share in the overall automotive sector remains modest.” Here’s what the data tells us:

Sales of “electric two-wheelers (E2Ws)” have improved, especially in states with both central and local policy support.

Subsidy programs have boosted demand, with sales rising by over 12% for every increase in financial support. Countries with specific EV policies recorded more than 50% more two-wheeler EV sales than those without such national incentives.

Even with such a step, electric two-wheelers account for just “4% of overall two-wheeler sales as of late 2023.” Electric three-wheeler cargo versions of vehicles have gained ground in areas that provide focused state incentives and affordable solutions.

The Way Forward for India’s EV Aspirations

India will reduce carbon emissions and become a world EV manufacturing hub. To do this, the country must move beyond launches and incentives. A strong EV ecosystem is built on

Scaling efficient charging networks.
Facilitating local battery manufacturing.
Making vehicle finance affordable.
Educating consumers and driving trust.

These building blocks will assist in diverting consumer choice away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and bring India nearer to its net-zero targets.

What’s Slowing Down EV Adoption in India

One of the largest implications of the report is that ‘subsidies alone aren’t enough.’ Consumers still experience challenges such as

Limited public charging infrastructure.
Poor awareness and confidence about EV performance.
High initial costs and limited availability of finance.
Inconsistent policy implementation at the state level.

According to experts, for India to succeed in its 2030 EV objectives—the sale of 30% electric vehicles and 80% adoption in two- and three-wheelers—there must be a “greater focus on long-term infrastructure and policy certainty.”

EV Market at a Turning Point

India’s journey towards electric mobility is reaching a turning point. The arrival of new EV models indicates a positive industry sentiment, but real progress depends on removing the systemic barriers to adoption.

India can realize its electric mobility ambition by combining product innovation with funding, policy changes, and supporting infrastructure. This will revolutionize not only how we travel but also how we create a sustainable future.

Blog

India’s New EV Policy: Opportunities and Challenges for Global Automakers

Published

5 days ago

June 3, 2025

Sourabh Gupta

Electric vehicles lineup under India's new EV policy 2025

In a strategic move to bolster electric vehicle (EV) adoption and manufacturing, the Indian government has unveiled a new policy offering significant incentives to global automakers. The policy aims to attract foreign investment by reducing import duties for companies committing to local production.

Key Highlights of the Policy

Under the “Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India” (SPMEPCI), automakers investing a minimum of ₹4,150 crore (approximately $500 million) in local manufacturing within three years can import up to 8,000 EVs annually at a reduced customs duty of 15%, down from the previous rates of 70% to 110%.

To qualify, companies must meet revenue requirements once production begins. In the fourth year, approved firms are expected to report at least ₹50 billion in revenue, increasing to ₹75 billion in the fifth year. Failure to meet these targets could result in a penalty of up to 3% on the revenue gap.

The policy also mandates that automakers achieve 25% domestic value addition (DVA) by the third year, increasing to 50% by the fifth year.

Global Automakers’ Responses

Several global automakers have expressed interest in the new policy. Mercedes-Benz, Skoda-Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Kia are considering setting up manufacturing operations in India to capitalize on the incentives.

However, Tesla has indicated a preference for establishing sales outlets without committing to local production, rendering it ineligible for the benefits under the new scheme.

Vietnam-based electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast’s planned $2 billion investment in establishing an EV manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu has failed to qualify for benefits under India’s incentive scheme. To become eligible, VinFast must make an additional investment of ₹4,150 crore.

Domestic Automakers’ Concerns

Indian automakers, including Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, have raised concerns about the reduced import duties, fearing increased competition from global players. They argue that the policy could undermine domestic manufacturers who have already invested heavily in local EV production.

India’s EV Market Outlook

Currently, EVs make up only 2.5% of India’s car market. The government aims to boost this share to 30% by 2030. The new policy is a step towards achieving this goal by encouraging global participation in the Indian EV market.

Conclusion

India’s new EV policy presents both opportunities and challenges for global and domestic automakers. While the incentives are attractive, the stringent requirements and competitive landscape necessitate careful strategic planning. As the application window opens, the automotive industry will keenly observe how these developments unfold.