Can this German company help end Europe's lithium dependence on China?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-26T11:22:54.171Z • Permanent link

Germany-based EV360 Recycling, a pioneering lithium recycling firm, is poised to challenge China's stranglehold on Europe's lithium supply chain. Led by CEO Felix Ehrhard, EV360 has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art recycling plant in the German town of Bottrop, with an initial capacity to process 20,000 tons of lithium-ion batteries per year. The facility, slated for completion in 2026, aims to capture a significant share of the European market, thereby reducing dependence on Chinese suppliers.

To better understand the significance of EV360's endeavor, it's essential to examine the existing dynamics. China has long dominated the global lithium market, accounting for approximately 70% of battery-grade lithium chemicals exported to Europe. This dominance is largely due to China's vast reserves of hard rock lithium and its well-established recycling infrastructure. However, the growing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems has created a perfect storm, with European manufacturers struggling to secure reliable lithium supplies.

Industry insiders point to a significant catalyst for EV360's venture: the European Union's (EU) ambitious plans to become carbon neutral by 2050. In response, the EU has set ambitious targets for the adoption of electric vehicles, with many member states aiming to phase out internal combustion engines by the mid-2020s. To achieve this goal, the EU needs to secure a stable supply of lithium-ion batteries, which is where EV360 comes in.

The emergence of EV360 marks a significant shift in the European lithium market, with far-reaching implications for companies, research communities, and markets. For companies like Volkswagen and BMW, securing a stable supply of lithium is crucial to meeting their EV production targets. A reliable supply chain would not only ensure the timely delivery of components but also mitigate the associated risks of supply chain disruptions, which have become increasingly common in recent years.

Research communities, too, are taking notice of EV360's efforts. As the demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to grow, the need for sustainable recycling practices becomes more pressing. EV360's plant is designed to employ cutting-edge technologies, such as hydrometallurgical processing and mechanical separation, to recover valuable metals from spent batteries. This approach not only reduces waste but also provides a much-needed alternative to traditional mining and refining methods.

The rise of EV360's recycling plant should be understood within the broader context of the global lithium market. Historically, lithium has been a highly concentrated market, dominated by a handful of major players. However, the growth of the EV industry has led to an explosion in demand, creating opportunities for new entrants like EV360 to challenge the status quo. This trend is mirrored in other sectors, such as renewable energy, where innovative companies are disrupting traditional supply chains and business models.