# Japan develops method to recover 90% lithium from used EV batteries

A major leap for sustainability in the electric vehicle revolution.

- **Source:** [Hacker News (news.ycombinator.com)](https://brifing.si/source/13c923cd-6d99-442b-9b8b-1181f4d8cd91)
- **Published:** 2026-07-14
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://tech.supercarblondie.com/japan-recovers-up-to-90-of-lithium-from-used-ev-batteries/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/29e2db3a-2da1-4374-bddc-ab0dc2dc9e3f

## A revolutionary discovery

Japanese researchers have developed a new method to recover up to 90% of lithium from used EV batteries. This far exceeds the 50% efficiency of traditional methods. As EV adoption grows worldwide, such innovations become increasingly critical for sustainable resource management.

## Chemical formula breakthrough

The method replaces standard sodium hydroxide with recovered lithium hydroxide during recycling. This white powder converts battery waste (called 'black mass') into high-purity lithium. The process also reduces carbon emissions by 40% compared to conventional techniques.

## Transforming supply chains

Lithium is among the most critical components in EV batteries. Japan currently imports nearly all of this mineral. This new method could reduce import dependence and stabilize supply chains, marking a significant shift in resource strategy.

## Environmental and economic benefits

Traditional lithium mining is expensive, energy-intensive and geopolitically complex. This recycling method reduces environmental impact while boosting local resource utilization. Japan aims to recover tens of thousands of tons of materials annually by 2035.

## Infrastructure challenges

Only about 14% of used lithium-ion batteries in Japan currently enter official recycling systems. Significant improvements in collection infrastructure are needed. The country plans to increase production capacity by 2027 to meet growing demand.

## Global impact potential

This technology holds importance beyond Japan - it could be transformative worldwide. By enabling sustainable lithium recovery at scale, it may usher in a new era of resource efficiency for the global EV revolution if adopted internationally.

## Sources covering this story

- https://tech.supercarblondie.com/japan-recovers-up-to-90-of-lithium-from-used-ev-batteries/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._