283 The Battery Recycling Episode
About this episode
Exploring the critical topic of battery recycling, this episode features Robin Brundle, Executive Chairman of Technology Minerals PLC. The discussion covers the importance of recycling lithium-ion batteries to ensure a sustainable supply chain in the UK, especially in light of upcoming EU regulations. Brundle explains the innovative processes at Recyclist, including their world-leading technology for recycling various battery types. The episode also tackles misconceptions about battery disposability and highlights the environmental benefits of recycling over landfill disposal, emphasizing the need for consumer responsibility and effective logistics.
In this conversation, Robin Brundle, executive chairman of Technology Minerals and Recyclus Group, discusses the critical role of battery recycling in the circular economy, particularly in the context of electric vehicles.
He shares insights on the journey of battery recycling, debunks myths surrounding EV batteries, and highlights the current state of battery recycling in the UK.
Robin emphasizes the importance of consumer responsibility, the risks associated with second-life batteries, and the future of battery recycling in relation to the automotive industry and gigafactories.
Guest Details:
Robin Brundle is Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Recyclus Group, leading the rollout of proven, industrial-scale lithium-ion battery recycling technology. Since July 2023, Recyclus has demonstrated safe, effective, and sustainable battery processing and now focuses on scaling operations and advancing next-generation recycling. He is also Executive Chairman of Technology Minerals PLC and played a key role in its 2021 London Stock Exchange listing. A recognised policy voice, Robin sits on UK government battery and critical minerals taskforces and is a Trustee of The Faraday Institution, bringing over 30 years’ senior leadership across automotive, motorsport, and clean energy.
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Links in the show notes:
- Reviving EV Batteries: The Future of Remanufacturing - The EV Musings Podcast
- Gigafactory Commission Report
Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk
(C) 2019-2026 Gary Comerford
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Mentioned in this episode:
Zapmap
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supply chain
"...the economic impact of the supply chain, of the technology, of academia links with Formula One with automotive will potentially be broken if we lose this capability."
The supply chain is the process of getting materials and parts needed to make cars from one place to another. It includes everything from getting raw materials to building and selling the cars.
The supply chain refers to the entire system of production, processing, and distribution of goods, including raw materials, manufacturing, and delivery to consumers. In the automotive context, it involves sourcing parts and materials necessary for vehicle production.
Formula One
"...the technology, of academia links with Formula One with automotive will potentially be broken if we lose this capability. And that's the flow chain."
Formula One is a type of car racing where specially designed cars race on tracks. It's very popular and features some of the fastest cars in the world.
Formula One is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, and is known for its advanced technology and high-speed competition.
automotive manufacturing
"...the taxation that comes from the automotive space. So we play a really critical role in producing recycled material to help attract and retain automotive manufacturing in the UK."
Automotive manufacturing is the process of making cars and other vehicles. It involves designing, building, and testing vehicles to make sure they are safe and work well.
Automotive manufacturing refers to the process of producing vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. This includes design, engineering, assembly, and quality control to ensure vehicles meet safety and performance standards.
unleaded fuel
"...when we even transitioned in the 80s from leaded to unleaded fuel, you know, there were the naysayers there, but they were probably those whose engines wouldn't run on unleaded fuel, for example."
Unleaded fuel is a cleaner type of gasoline that doesn't have lead in it. Lead was used in older fuels but was banned because it can be harmful to people and the environment. Most cars today run on unleaded fuel.
Unleaded fuel is a type of gasoline that does not contain lead additives, which were used in the past to improve engine performance but were found to be harmful to health and the environment. The transition to unleaded fuel began in the 1980s as regulations changed to reduce pollution and protect public health.
lithium-ion battery
"...if you've got a lithium-ion battery, if you damage it, it will go bang flash and the energy will be released in the form of an explosion and fire."
A lithium-ion battery is a battery that can be recharged and is often found in things like electric cars and smartphones. If these batteries get damaged, they can catch fire or even explode.
A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electric vehicles and portable electronics. They are known for their high energy density and ability to be recharged many times, but they can be dangerous if damaged, potentially leading to fires or explosions.
solid state batteries
"...we've done all the initial trials on solid state batteries, for example, successfully done those."
Solid state batteries are a newer type of battery that use solid materials instead of liquids. They can store more energy and are generally safer than regular batteries.
Solid state batteries are a type of battery technology that uses solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte, as opposed to liquid or gel electrolytes found in traditional batteries. They are known for their higher energy density and improved safety features.
battery stacks
"...the fact that the battery stacks are getting wider, they're going the full width of cars now."
Battery stacks are groups of battery cells piled together to make a stronger battery. This helps electric cars get more power and drive longer distances.
Battery stacks refer to the arrangement of multiple battery cells stacked together to increase the overall voltage and capacity of the battery system. This is commonly used in electric vehicles to provide sufficient power for operation.
LFP
"...the chemistry of the batteries, if we look at electric vehicles, the two main ones are the NMC and the LFP..."
LFP is a type of battery used in electric cars that uses lithium iron phosphate. It's known for being safe and lasting a long time.
LFP stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate, another type of lithium-ion battery chemistry. It is known for its long cycle life and thermal stability, making it a safe choice for electric vehicles.
NMC
"...the chemistry of the batteries, if we look at electric vehicles, the two main ones are the NMC and the LFP..."
NMC is a type of battery used in electric cars that combines nickel, manganese, and cobalt. It's popular because it provides a good mix of power and safety.
NMC stands for Nickel Manganese Cobalt, a type of lithium-ion battery chemistry commonly used in electric vehicles. It offers a good balance of energy density, thermal stability, and cost.
lithium batteries
"...we're seeing and dealing with these lithium batteries on mass every day from automotive. We also for automotive do discharge and dismantle..."
Lithium batteries are a type of battery that can be recharged and are commonly found in electric cars. They are popular because they store a lot of energy and last a long time.
Lithium batteries are rechargeable batteries that use lithium ions as the primary component of their electrochemistry. They are widely used in electric vehicles due to their high energy density and efficiency.
gray market
"...Our opinion is that the gray market is a dangerous place and let's separate this into two tracks here."
The gray market is where products are sold through unofficial channels, which can be risky. For cars and parts, this might mean buying something that isn't guaranteed to be safe or reliable.
The gray market refers to the trade of goods through unauthorized channels, which can lead to issues such as counterfeit products or lack of warranty support. In the automotive context, it often involves parts or vehicles that are sold outside of official distribution channels.
thermal runaway
"...and we put them on the conveyor belt and they then will go to thermal runaway"
Thermal runaway happens when a battery gets too hot and can't cool down. This can cause it to catch fire or even explode, which is very dangerous.
Thermal runaway is a condition in which a battery overheats and can lead to a fire or explosion. This occurs when the heat generated by the battery exceeds its ability to dissipate that heat, often due to a short circuit or damage.
nickel manganese cobalt battery
"...the recycling value is much lower than something like nickel manganese cobalt battery..."
Nickel manganese cobalt batteries are a type of battery that helps electric cars go further and perform better. They use a mix of metals to achieve this balance.
Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries are another type of lithium-ion battery that combines nickel, manganese, and cobalt to enhance energy density and performance. They are widely used in electric vehicles for their balance of power and stability.
F1
"...Robin Brundle is former F1 driver..."
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a very fast and exciting type of car racing. It has special cars that are built for speed and performance, racing on tracks all over the world.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. It features high-speed races on various circuits around the world and is known for its advanced technology and engineering.
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