The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant funding initiative aimed at reducing the costs associated with recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) revealed that $44.8 million will be allocated to eight projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These projects aim to decrease the expenses involved in recycling electric drive vehicle batteries and their components, ultimately aiming to lower vehicle costs.
The announcement comes as part of the administration's broader Investing in America agenda. Under President Biden and Vice President Harris, more than four million EVs have been sold in the United States, doubling previous sales figures. With demand for EVs and stationary storage expected to expand significantly by the end of the decade, these investments are crucial for developing a robust domestic supply chain for high-capacity batteries.
The selected projects will focus on advancing research, development, and demonstration of battery recycling and second-life applications. This initiative builds on previous funding efforts totaling $92 million aimed at enhancing EV battery recycling and promoting equitable deployment. It supports President Biden's goal for EVs to comprise half of all vehicle sales in America by 2030.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm stated, "The United States is securing a resilient domestic battery supply chain, thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments in innovation and battery recycling efforts." She emphasized that finding new uses for used batteries would reduce pollution, lessen reliance on other nations, lower costs, and support the clean energy transition.
These investments align with the administration's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of federal investment benefits flow to disadvantaged communities affected by underinvestment and pollution. The eight projects represent the second phase of a $200 million total investment for electric drive vehicle battery recycling and second-life applications.
Projects selected include B2U Storage Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Inc., General Motors LLC, ReJoule Incorporated, Rochester Institute of Technology, Siemens Corporation Technology, Tennessee Technological University, and University of Akron. These initiatives focus on improving transportation economics, dismantling processes, preprocessing systems for end-of-life batteries, automated disassembly approaches, mobile preprocessing hubs for local collection points, and increasing accessory component recycling.
It is important to note that selection for award negotiations does not guarantee funding from DOE; a negotiation process will occur before any funds are issued.
