Direct Recycling Takes Center Stage in LFP Battery Recovery
Karnataka-based Li-Circle has partnered with Korea’s ABR (Advanced Battery Recycle) to introduce direct recycling technology for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in India. Unlike hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical techniques that rely on chemical leaching or high-temperature smelting, direct recycling restores the active cathode material through physical and electrochemical processes. This approach retains material structure, reduces emissions, and lowers processing costs, making it particularly suitable for low-cost LFP chemistries.
The partnership aims to adapt ABR’s global experience and Li-Circle’s local ecosystem expertise to address India’s rapidly growing LFP demand from electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and stationary energy storage systems. As LFP chemistries gain share due to safety, cost advantages, and long cycle life, the need for efficient end-of-life recovery has become increasingly critical.
Global Consortium for Knowledge Sharing and Technology Development
As part of the MoU, Li-Circle and ABR will form a global consortium focused on direct recycling innovation. The consortium will act as a shared knowledge pool, bringing together battery recyclers, material scientists, and ecosystem stakeholders from Europe, Singapore, and other international markets. Its goal is to accelerate research, streamline process development, and create harmonized recycling frameworks that support large-scale commercial deployment.
The collaboration will help India gain access to global best practices while contributing local insights from one of the fastest-growing LFP markets. Both companies believe this multi-country alliance will unlock new business models, including closed-loop recycling for mobility OEMs and energy storage integrators.
Building Local Recycling Infrastructure for India’s LFP Ecosystem
Li-Circle and ABR will also explore opportunities to establish localized recycling facilities tailored to Indian conditions. With EV manufacturers increasingly shifting to LFP packs due to cost stability and raw material independence from nickel and cobalt, India is projected to generate a significant volume of spent LFP batteries over the coming decade. The partnership aims to build recycling capacity ahead of this curve while supporting India’s battery material independence goals.
