BATT Conference Agenda

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode active materials are besides layered oxide chemistries the most important group of cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. China has commercialized LFP batteries for mass market applications and is today the leading producer with a market share of approx. 90%. European companies are also increasingly using LFP batteries, but the value chain only exists in its early stages. The article describes the differences between the Chinese and European LFP recycling industries and discusses the implications of the different levels of market maturity. The analysis shows that the development of a European LFP battery recycling industry is hampered by economic challenges, the lack of a complete value chain and a lack of know-how. To overcome these roadblocks, a comprehensive European strategy is needed, which includes securing strategic raw materials, reducing production costs, building up domestic know-how and smart cooperation between all stakeholders. If successful, this strategy will probably follow in many aspects the Chinese strategy.