China's Recycling Efforts Could Dominate EV Manufacturing Supply Chain
A study led by Xin Xiong at Nanjing University suggests that recycling could become a primary source of materials for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in China over the coming decades. The research models the supply of recycled materials against manufacturing demand from 2010 to 2050, focusing on key battery components like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, as well as elements used in electric motors. The study considers various technological progression scenarios, including transitions to solid-state lithium and sodium batteries. China's policies aim to increase recycling rates of certain battery elements to at least 98% and boost the share of EVs in new sales to 60% by 2030. Despite challenges in competing with virgin materials, the study highlights the potential for recycling to meet a significant portion of manufacturing demand. 
