Recharging The Future: Stellantis And Orano Plan JV For Recycling EV Batteries, Scrap From Gigafactories

Stellantis N.V. STLA and nuclear energy company Orano have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture for recycling end-of-life electric vehicle batteries.

The joint venture will recycle batteries and scrap from gigafactories in Enlarged Europe and North America.

The move is expected to strengthen Stellantis' position in the electric-vehicle battery value chain by securing additional access to cobalt, nickel, and lithium necessary for electrification and energy transition.

The joint venture will utilize Orano's low-carbon technology, which breaks with existing processes, allowing the recovery of all materials from lithium-ion batteries and the manufacturing of new cathode materials. 

The joint venture will produce "black mass" or "active mass," which can be refined in Orano's hydrometallurgical plant to be built in Dunkirk, France, and reused in batteries.

The recovery rates of metals can reach levels of more than 90%. Production will begin in the first part of 2026, reusing existing Stellantis assets and facilities.

Also Read: UAW Expands Strike Against Stellantis, Affecting Pickup Truck Plant: Report

Price Action: STLA shares are trading lower by 1.66% at $18.62 on the last check Tuesday.