Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, is in talks to establish battery recycling facilities in Europe, according to a Bloomberg report. Jason Chen, CATL’s regional operations chief, revealed that the Chinese battery giant is engaging with several European governments, including Hungary, to identify potential factory sites.
The move aligns with CATL’s strategy to address environmental concerns associated with battery production and disposal. The company is considering leveraging its subsidiary, Guangdong Brunp Recycling Technology Co., and partnering with European firms to strengthen its recycling capabilities. This initiative underscores CATL’s commitment to sustainability amid growing environmental demands in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
CATL has already expanded its European presence with a €7.34 billion investment in a battery manufacturing plant in Debrecen, Hungary. Launched in 2022, this facility is CATL’s second European plant, complementing its existing site in Germany. Production is expected to begin in late 2025, with an initial annual capacity of 40 GWh, eventually reaching 100 GWh—enough to power over one million EVs.
Environmental considerations are driving CATL’s focus on recycling, as power batteries contain non-renewable metals and generate significant carbon emissions during production. Earlier this year, CATL and Volvo Cars signed a strategic memorandum to promote battery recycling. The partnership aims to dismantle, recycle, and repurpose used batteries, reducing lifecycle emissions for Volvo’s EVs. Over 90% of valuable metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium will be extracted and reused in new batteries for Volvo vehicles.
Separately, CATL has expressed interest in expanding into the U.S. market, contingent on favorable policy adjustments. Founder and Chairman Robin Zeng indicated a willingness to explore U.S. investments if trade barriers and tariffs—heightened during the previous administration—are eased. This openness signals CATL’s broader ambition to navigate complex geopolitical and economic landscapes and collaborate with U.S. automakers.
Source: EVMagz
