How One Startup Recycles 220 Million Li-ion Batteries for Electric Cars, Solar Chargers, and More

Established in 2020, BatX Energies is a leading Indian startup addressing the growing challenge of Li-ion battery waste. Their journey began in 2017 when Vikrant Singh and Utkarsh Singh, engineering students at Haryana's BML Munjal University, faced difficulties acquiring a Li-ion battery for their electric racing car project. This experience sparked their curiosity about the lack of domestic Li-ion battery production and the potential for Li-ion battery recycling in India.

From College Project to Sustainable Business

Unable to source a battery on time, Vikrant and Utkarsh began exploring Li-ion battery recycling as a college project. Realizing the potential for recovering valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, they envisioned a circular economy for Li-ion batteries in India. After graduation, they gained valuable industry experience before launching BatX Energies in 2020.

BatX Energies' Mission: A Circular Economy for Li-Ion Batteries

BatX Energies' core mission is to establish a domestic circular supply chain for Li-ion battery materials. They achieve this by:

• Recycling Used Li-Ion Batteries: BatX collects used Li-ion batteries from various sources, including EV manufacturers, electronic device recycling streams, and informal sectors.

• Second-Life Applications: If a battery retains some charge, BatX repurposes it for applications like off-grid solar EV chargers, inverters, or other electronic devices.

• Battery-Grade Material Extraction: For batteries beyond their second life, BatX employs a proprietary process to extract high-purity lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other valuable materials.

• Material Sales: The extracted battery-grade materials are then sold to various industries, reducing reliance on virgin material mining.

A Pioneering Recycling Process: Zero Waste, Zero Emission

BatX Energies has developed a unique "Zero Waste-Zero Emission Technology" (patented) for Li-ion battery recycling. This innovative process involves:

• Safe Transportation: Used batteries are collected and transported with strict safety protocols to minimize risks.

• Second-Life Assessment: Batteries are evaluated for potential reuse in various applications.

• Disassembly and Crushing: Batteries deemed unfit for reuse are dismantled, discharged, and crushed into a powder called "black mass."

• Black Mass Processing: The black mass undergoes further processing to extract high-purity lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other materials.

Expanding Operations: A Hub-and-Spoke Model

Currently, BatX Energies operates from a central facility in Sikandrabad, Uttar Pradesh. However, they plan to adopt a hub-and-spoke model by setting up smaller facilities in strategic locations across India. This will reduce transportation distances and risks associated with moving used Li-ion batteries.

Investment and Future Prospects

In December 2023, BatX Energies successfully secured $5 million in pre-Series A funding. This investment will fuel their expansion plans and solidify their position as a key player in India's Li-ion battery recycling landscape. As the EV sector flourishes in India, BatX Energies' innovative solutions for Li-ion battery recycling will play a crucial role in promoting a sustainable future.