Porsche has launched a multi-phase pilot project focused on recycling high-voltage EV batteries, targeting recovery of critical raw materials and testing a circular supply model.
The initiative addresses growing pressure to secure long-term access to essential elements like nickel, cobalt, manganese and lithium - all recovered through a mechanical shredding process that turns used batteries into “black mass”.
So far, around 65 tonnes of this raw granulate have been produced from development vehicle batteries.
From waste to resource
The recycled “black mass” undergoes further refinement to separate high-purity elements, which Porsche says are vital to maintaining performance standards in new EV batteries. Porsche also stresses that material consistency and cleanliness are critical to ensuring new cells meet Porsche’s quality benchmarks.
In the third and final phase, the company plans to manufacture battery cells containing a defined share of recycled content for real-world testing in future models.
“This pilot project underscores our ambitions,” said Barbara Frenkel, Executive Board Member for Procurement at Porsche. “Circular economy is a core pillar of our sustainability strategy.”
Porsche aims to use this closed-loop approach to reduce environmental impacts, secure future material supply, and hedge against geopolitical volatility in raw material markets.
Long-term planning
The move is also a strategic pre-emptive step towards anticipated EU battery regulations coming into force in 2031, which will demand higher levels of recycled content and traceability.
Porsche says the early rollout of its EV battery recycling project demonstrates its commitment to responsible resource use while reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable vehicle production.