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 Motors Targets 50% Market Share in India’s EV Sector

Published

28 minutes ago

June 19, 2025

Sourabh Gupta

Tata Motors Targets 50% Market Share in India’s EV Sector

In India’s fast-growing EV space, Tata Motors isn’t just participating — it’s dominating. And now, they’re setting their sights even higher. As per a recent report from ET Auto, Tata Motors is aiming to capture 50% of the country’s EV market in the coming years.

It’s a bold goal. With fresh competition entering from every direction — from global automakers to Indian startups — is Tata biting off more than it can chew, or are they just getting started?

Let’s break down where things stand — and what it’ll take to actually pull it off.

Tata Is Leading — But Not Alone Anymore

Let’s start with the numbers. Today, Tata Motors commands over 70% of India’s passenger EV segment. The Nexon EV is easily the best-selling electric car in the country, and the Tiago EV has made affordable electric mobility more accessible than ever before.

But what’s clear is that this lead won’t last forever unless Tata steps up. Companies like Hyundai, Mahindra, MG, and even BYD are ramping up their presence, and they’re coming in strong.

Tata’s 50% target feels more like a strategic defense plan than a boast.

What’s Driving Tata’s Ambition?

Tata’s not just selling electric vehicles — it’s building an ecosystem. And that’s what gives them a real shot at hitting this ambitious target.

⚡ New Models in the Pipeline

We’ve already seen early teasers of upcoming EVs like the Curvv, Harrier EV, and the futuristic-looking Avinya. Each one is aimed at a different audience — from young professionals to premium car buyers.

🔌 A Charging Network That Actually Exists

Thanks to Tata Power, they’ve already set up over 1,000 public chargers. For buyers in cities, this takes away a big chunk of “range anxiety” and helps make EVs feel like a regular, usable choice.

🔋 Made-in-India Batteries

One of the biggest roadblocks for EVs in India is high battery costs. Tata’s push for local battery manufacturing could solve this, reducing costs, improving availability, and giving them an edge over rivals who still rely on imports.

🛻 Commercial + Government Buyers

Besides private customers, Tata is focusing on commercial fleet buyers and government programs. That’s smart — fleet sales often move in bulk and can push volume quickly.

The Challenges Are Real

No matter how strong Tata’s strategy looks, there are serious hurdles ahead.

Charging networks still don’t reach Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities
Battery components are globally volatile, and supply chain issues aren’t fully resolved
Consumer education outside urban areas is still lacking
And let’s be honest: many Indian buyers are still skeptical of electric mobility

Tata Motors isn’t playing the short game. Their 50% EV market share target is a signal to investors, buyers, and rivals that they intend to stay on top, not just today, but in the next decade.

Will they make it? That depends on how fast India adapts and how well Tata can keep up with expectations.

But if any Indian brand is ready to bet on electric, it’s Tata.

Article By
Sourabh Gupta

Blog

Chetak 3001: Bajaj’s Next-Gen Electric Scooter Could Be Your New Daily Ride

Published

1 day ago

June 18, 2025

Sourabh Gupta

The Iconic Chetak Is Evolving—Here’s What We Know

Remember the Bajaj Chetak? If you grew up in India, chances are you’ve seen one buzzing around your neighborhood. Well, it’s back in the spotlight—this time with an electric twist. Bajaj is reportedly working on a new EV called the Chetak 3001, and if leaks are to be believed, it’s already being tested in Ladakh.

The company hasn’t officially confirmed anything yet, but the buzz is real. It looks like Bajaj is gearing up to give its popular electric scooter lineup a fresh new boost, without overcomplicating things.

Chetak 3001 Rumored Specs: Practical and Built for the City

If the whispers are true, the Chetak 3001 is going to come with a 3.1 kW motor and a 3 kWh battery—a setup that should make it ideal for urban commuting. The top speed? Around 62 km/h, which is more than enough for your daily rides to work, the market, or college.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what we might get:

3.1 kW electric motor
3 kWh lithium-ion battery
Top speed of ~62 km/h
Estimated range close to 100 km

In short, this scooter seems built for practicality, not racing. Perfect if you’re tired of petrol prices and just want something reliable and easy to charge.

What’s New Compared to the Current Chetak?

The current-gen Chetak is already known for being a no-nonsense, dependable electric scooter. But the 3001 version might be a little sharper, a little smarter.

Think of it as a mid-cycle update: maybe better pickup, slightly more battery efficiency, and possibly some smarter tech (without going overboard). It’s not trying to beat Ather or Ola in flashy features—it’s about keeping things simple and functional, but better.

If you’re someone who liked the original Chetak but wanted a little more “oomph,” the 3001 could be your sweet spot.

Features That Could Make It Stand Out

Now, Bajaj hasn’t said much, but based on spy shots and industry trends, the 3001 might include:

A refreshed digital dashboard
Bluetooth connectivity
Better weather protection
A slight design tweak—maybe a new headlamp or side panel shape
Possibly improved regenerative braking or ride modes

Nothing wild—but enough to make a difference in your everyday experience.

Launch Timeline: When Will the Chetak 3001 Arrive?

There’s no official date, but many believe Bajaj could drop a teaser towards end of 2024, with a full launch by early 2025. Given how fast the EV space is moving, they’re probably not going to wait too long.

The EV Scooter You Can Count On?

If you’re not looking for high-end tech and just want a solid, stylish, and easy-to-maintain electric scooter, keep your eye on the Chetak 3001. It’s shaping up to be a commuter’s friend, especially for people who appreciate Bajaj’s legacy of durable rides.

This scooter might not make headlines for speed, but it might just become the EV you see everywhere on Indian roads.

Article By
Sourabh Gupta

Blog

Royal Enfield Goes Electric: Flying Flea C6 & S6 Scrambler Spotted Testing in Ladakh

Published

3 days ago

June 16, 2025

Sourabh Gupta

Electric scrambler motorcycle parked in the Ladakh mountains under a clear sky.

Two Silent Machines Tackle Himalayan Trails: A New Chapter for Royal Enfield

For years, Royal Enfield has been the sound of the open road—literally. That familiar thump of a Classic or a Bullet has echoed across mountain passes and city streets for decades. But now, the brand is headed in a direction many of us didn’t see coming. And it’s quiet. Very quiet.

Photos have surfaced from Ladakh showing two all-electric Royal Enfield motorcycles in testing—the Flying Flea C6 and a Scrambler-style model named S6. No camouflage, no big press release. Just two futuristic-looking bikes riding through some of India’s most unforgiving terrain.

High-Altitude Testing Means One Thing: These Aren’t Just for the City

Ladakh isn’t where you take a bike for basic testing. Thin air, steep climbs, rocky trails—this is where a machine either performs or fails. So the fact that Royal Enfield chose this location says a lot. They’re building these EVs not just for office commutes or showroom appeal, but for real riders.

The Flying Flea C6 looks nimble and light, almost like a city bike with off-road potential. The S6 Scrambler, on the other hand, is chunkier, taller, and built for people who like their rides a little wild. Both bikes keep that trademark Enfield stance—upright riding posture, long forks, and wide handlebars. If you know the RE DNA, you’ll feel it here too.

What’s missing? The sound. That thump is gone. But in its place? Instant torque, zero emissions, and a different kind of cool.

What Do We Know So Far?

Not a lot has been confirmed officially, but here’s what’s being pieced together from what we’ve seen and heard:

Flying Flea C6 likely pays homage to the original WWII-era RE “Flying Flea”—a lightweight bike built to be dropped from planes. Its modern EV version looks agile and compact.
The S6 Scrambler is bulkier, with longer suspension travel, high-mounted fenders, and tires that scream trail-ready.
Both bikes are probably built on RE’s new ‘L platform’, which has been in the works for EV-specific builds.
Industry insiders say the range could sit somewhere between 120 to 150 km, depending on the model and battery spec.

No launch date has been announced yet, but a debut in late 2025 or early 2026 seems likely.

Why This Isn’t Just Another EV Launch

Plenty of two-wheeler brands have launched electric scooters and motorcycles over the last few years, but this feels different. Royal Enfield has taken its time, and that might be a good thing.

They didn’t jump in with a commuter EV just to follow the trend. Instead, they’re building bikes that are meant to be ridden hard, explored with, and taken beyond city limits. The kind of bikes Enfield riders expect, just with batteries instead of tanks.

This could be the first proper “touring-capable” electric motorcycle from a mainstream Indian brand. And once it hits the market, it might force the rest of the industry to rethink what an electric bike should be.

Seeing a Royal Enfield test an electric prototype on Ladakh’s harsh terrain is a bit surreal—but also kind of perfect. It’s the brand’s way of saying: “We’re going electric, but we’re doing it our way.”

If the Flying Flea C6 and S6 Scrambler perform anywhere near as good as they look, we’re in for something special. These bikes could be the bridge between tradition and the future, giving loyal RE fans a reason to plug in without giving up the adventure.

Stay tuned—because the next big thump from Royal Enfield might be completely silent.

Article By
Sourabh Gupta