As the global shift toward electrification accelerates, a quiet but urgent revolution is unfolding behind the scenes—one that will define how sustainable, secure, and scalable our clean energy future can truly be. At the heart of this revolution lies the question: What happens to electric vehicle batteries at the end of their life on the road?

While most eyes are focused on battery production, LOHUM is leading the conversation and innovation around what comes next—rethinking, repurposing, and reintegrating lithium-ion batteries into a closed-loop ecosystem that maximizes value, minimizes environmental impact, and secures supply chains.

The Lithium Boom—and Its Shadow

From scooters and sedans to trucks, trains, and even airplanes, electrified mobility is no longer a fringe concept; it’s a global imperative. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates over 240 million electric vehicles (EVs) will be on the road by 2030. That’s more than a tenfold increase compared to 2020.

This monumental growth is powered almost entirely by lithium-ion batteries. Yet, with soaring production comes a parallel surge in battery retirements. By 2030, more than 2 million metric tonnes of lithium-ion batteries will reach end-of-life annually—primarily from EVs, according to market analysts.

And herein lies both a challenge and an opportunity.

Closing the Loop with LOHUM

LOHUM is India's leading producer of sustainable energy transition materials and a global frontrunner in lithium-ion battery repurposing. From day one, our mission has been clear: to make battery materials last forever.

Instead of treating end-of-life batteries as waste, LOHUM sees them as high-value resources—rich in critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel—that can be recovered, refurbished, and re-deployed. By creating a circular economy for battery materials, we reduce dependence on mining, lower costs, and cut emissions.

We are proud to be among the few lithium-ion battery repurposing companies that not only extend the life of battery materials but also bring a refined second-life application market into commercial reality.

Why Repurposing Matters

It’s estimated that a lithium-ion EV battery reaches end-of-life when it falls below 80% of its rated capacity. However, that still leaves substantial energy potential—enough to serve for 6 to 10 years in less demanding stationary applications like renewable energy storage or peak shaving.

This “second-life” is crucial. Not only does it reduce e-waste, but it also makes EVs more affordable and promotes energy equity. LOHUM refurbishes battery modules for multiple second-life applications, offering a sustainable alternative to buying new.

And when reuse is no longer feasible? That’s where our integrated recycling infrastructure takes over—recovering up to 95% of critical minerals through environmentally advanced hydrometallurgical and direct recycling processes.

Rethinking Value: Residual Analysis & Smart Forecasting

A key challenge in battery circularity is understanding the true residual value of used batteries. Not all end-of-life batteries are equal; their composition, condition, and chemistry vary widely. That’s why LOHUM has pioneered lithium-ion battery residual value analysis, a proprietary method that evaluates the remaining utility, economic worth, and recyclability of battery packs down to the module level.

This analysis powers smarter asset management decisions for OEMs, fleet operators, and energy providers—turning uncertainty into opportunity. It also allows us to optimize logistics, reduce downtime, and forecast future materials availability with unprecedented accuracy.

By integrating residual value analytics into our repurposing and recycling pipelines, we’re helping create a transparent, traceable, and economically viable supply chain for battery materials.

Technology-Backed Circularity

Current battery recycling often involves energy-intensive smelting or acid dissolution, which results in loss of high-value cathode structures and unnecessary carbon emissions. LOHUM’s direct recycling approach retains and reactivates the original cathode structure, restoring it with minimal mineral top-ups and reintroducing it directly into battery manufacturing.

Recent studies have shown that such cathodes can not only match but outperform virgin-material batteries—offering faster charging and longer lifespans thanks to microstructural improvements like increased porosity.

We are already scaling these advanced techniques, in partnership with global OEMs and battery manufacturers, to industrial levels, thereby reducing reliance on imported materials and enhancing India’s position in the global battery value chain.

Policy Momentum & Strategic Advantage

Governments are catching up fast. California has mandated that 100% of EV batteries sold in the state be reused or recycled. The European Union and India are both pushing extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks and localized recycling mandates.

LOHUM’s technology, scale, and analytics position us not just to comply—but to lead. Our infrastructure is future-ready for domestic and global regulatory landscapes, creating a sustainable business advantage for our partners.

The Future is Circular—and LOHUM is Paving the Way

The global battery market is projected to exceed $400 billion by 2035, with recycling and repurposing contributing significantly to that value. LOHUM is building the material intelligence, repurposing infrastructure, and recycling technology to own the entire second half of the battery lifecycle.

We’re not just talking about sustainability—we’re delivering it. One battery at a time.

Whether you are a manufacturer seeking secure material supply, a fleet operator looking to unlock residual value, or a policymaker aiming to build a greener future, LOHUM offers a fully integrated solution that balances economics, ecology, and energy resilience.

Visit us at: lithium-ion battery precursors