UK government has extended a funding support of £8.1 million to Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and its industrial partners for an advanced battery recycling initiative. The initiative is part of the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s (APC) Collaborative R&D program and aims to develop a circular economy model for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The project, known as LIBRIS (Lithium-Ion Battery Reuse and Recycling), will be led by JLR alongside key collaborators including WMG at the University of Warwick, European Metal Recycling, Connected Energy, and several battery startups such as InoBat and Aceleron. This multi-partner effort focuses on extending the lifecycle of EV batteries through second-life applications and advanced recycling processes.
With the rise of electric vehicles, managing end-of-life batteries has become a crucial challenge for automakers. LIBRIS aims to tackle this issue by developing a streamlined and economically viable ecosystem for reusing and recycling EV batteries within the UK. It also aims to cut dependency on imported raw materials and promote home-grown green technology solutions.
JLR said the project aligns with its Reimagine strategy, under which the brand aims to become carbon net zero across its supply chain, products, and operations by 2039. LIBRIS will focus on identifying viable pathways for batteries that no longer meet EV performance standards but are still suitable for energy storage and other applications.
The funding boost from APC is expected to significantly strengthen the UK’s EV supply chain resilience. Ian Constance, CEO of the APC, emphasized that battery reuse and recycling technologies will play a vital role in securing the UK’s position as a global EV innovation leader and reducing the environmental impact of vehicle production.
This latest development comes as the UK accelerates its shift towards net-zero emissions and strengthens its domestic EV ecosystem. By backing projects like LIBRIS, the country not only promotes green manufacturing but also supports high-skilled jobs, resource independence, and sustainable growth in the EV sector.
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