Registration/Morning Reception

Chair’s Opening Remarks

Reverse Second Life: Unlocking Grid-First, Vehicle-Second Pathways for Sustainable Battery Deployment

Nathan Saliga, VP Engineering, ONE | Our Next Energy

In this groundbreaking session, Our Next Energy (ONE) explores the technical and economic viability of deploying high-performance battery systems first in stationary grid applications—where duty cycles are moderate and controlled—before transitioning them into automotive use. By optimizing battery conditioning, usage patterns, and health monitoring from the start, this “Grid-First, Vehicle-Second” model could unlock new standards of durability, lifecycle value, and sustainability.

Rethinking First Life:

• Why deploying batteries in stationary energy storage may provide ideal “conditioning” for later high-demand EV use.

• Analysis of cycling profiles, thermal management, and degradation in grid applications versus automotive environments.

Technical Challenges and Solutions:

• Ensuring battery health, consistency, and safety across transitions between grid and automotive sectors.

• Data-driven battery health monitoring and predictive modeling to assess readiness for second life in vehicles.
  

• Chemistry considerations: LFP, NMC, and solid-state technologies in a grid-first context.

Economic and Sustainability Impact:

• Comparative lifecycle analysis of traditional vs. reverse second-life battery pathways.

• Implications for resource utilization, carbon footprint reduction, and total cost of ownership.

Infrastructure and Industry Collaboration:

• What partnerships are required between utilities, OEMs, and recyclers to enable grid-to-vehicle battery flows?

• Certification, regulatory, and logistical hurdles to mainstream adoption.

Building A Circular Battery Economy: Lucid Motors’ Approach To Recycling And Sustainability

Michael Parton, Group Manager – Battery Raw Materials, Lucid Motors (TBC)

As EV adoption accelerates, sustainable battery management is critical to reducing environmental impact and ensuring material security. Lucid Motors is developing a closed-loop system, retrieving batteries through trade-ins, service centers, and potential incentives for dismantlers. This session will explore Lucid’s approach to recycling, from mechanical and chemical material separation to partnerships ensuring a stable, diversified battery supply. Attendees will gain insight into how automakers can integrate end-of-life batteries into energy storage systems, reducing waste and enhancing sustainability.

• Understand how Lucid Motors is designing a sustainable battery supply and recycling strategy.

• Explore the role of financial incentives, second-life energy storage, and key supplier partnerships.

• Learn about the challenges and potential solutions for creating a domestic, circular battery economy.

Advanced Cathode Innovations: Paving The Way For Battery Materials Circularity

Daniel Shapiro, Technology Deployment Manager, Office of Manufacturing & Energy Supply Chains / Batteries and Critical Materials, U.S Department of Energy (DOE)

The transition to a circular economy for battery materials hinges on breakthroughs in cathode technology. This presentation will explore how advanced cathode innovations are driving battery sustainability by improving recyclability and reducing reliance on scarce materials. Attendees will learn about key challenges facing the industry, including material recovery efficiency, lifecycle management, and design for circularity. Through case studies and real-world examples, this session will highlight cutting-edge solutions that are helping the industry close the loop and achieve true circularity in battery production and recycling.

• Understand the role of advanced cathode technologies in enabling sustainable, closed-loop battery systems

• Explore case studies demonstrating how cathode innovations improve material recovery and reduce the environmental footprint of batteries

• Learn about future trends and strategic implications of circularity in battery design and recycling

Innovations In Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: Tech, Business Models, And Chemistries

Cameron Lippert, Co Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, ElectraMet

As the electric vehicle market accelerates, innovations in lithium-ion battery recycling are critical to managing the growing volume of end-of-life batteries. This presentation will explore the latest technological advancements, evolving business models, and emerging battery chemistries that are reshaping the recycling landscape. Attendees will learn about the major challenges in scaling recycling operations, such as cost-efficiency and material recovery, and how innovative solutions are addressing these pain points. Through case studies, this session will highlight successful approaches and the strategic implications for future growth in the industry.

• Gain insights into the newest technologies driving more efficient and scalable lithium-ion battery recycling

• Explore innovative business models that improve profitability and sustainability in battery recycling

• Understand how evolving battery chemistries influence recycling processes and future industry strategies

Building Localized Circular Recycling Networks

Jonathan Scharf, Founder and CEO, Scharf Energy Consulting LLC

Creating localized recycling networks is a critical step toward achieving circularity in the electric vehicle battery supply chain. This presentation will examine the challenges of decentralizing recycling operations, including logistical hurdles, regulatory complexities, and economic viability. Attendees will gain insights into how localized circular networks can reduce transportation costs, enhance material recovery, and support regional sustainability goals. The session will feature case studies that demonstrate successful localized recycling models and will explore future opportunities for scaling these networks across various regions.

• Understand the benefits and challenges of establishing localized circular recycling networks for EV batteries

• Learn from case studies that illustrate successful models of decentralized recycling systems

• Explore strategies for scaling localized networks to support broader sustainability and circularity goals

Validation Of Anode And Cathode Active Materials From Direct Recycling: Electrochemical Performance In New Li-ion Cells

Chao Yan, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Princeton NuEnergy

As the demand for sustainable practices in the lithium-ion battery industry increases, validating the performance of anode and cathode materials sourced from direct recycling becomes crucial. This presentation will examine the electrochemical performance of recycled active materials when integrated into new lithium-ion cells. Attendees will learn about the challenges associated with sourcing and validating these materials, including concerns over efficiency, degradation, and scalability. Through case studies and experimental results, this session will provide insights into innovative methods for assessing performance and the implications for the future of battery recycling and sustainability in the EV market.

• Understand the process of validating recycled anode and cathode materials for use in new lithium-ion cells

• Explore the electrochemical performance characteristics of recycled materials and their impact on battery efficiency

• Learn about the challenges and best practices in integrating recycled materials into the battery manufacturing process

From Waste To Resource: Rethinking Battery Recycling For A Circular Economy

Ryan Melsert, CEO, American Battery Technology Company (TBC)

End-of-life batteries are often treated as waste, yet the critical metals within them—such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel—can be recovered and reused indefinitely without degradation. Traditional recycling methods, including smelting and mechanical shredding, result in material losses, high energy consumption, and environmental pollution. This presentation will introduce a novel, closed-loop battery recycling approach that eliminates high-temperature processing, maximizes metal recovery, and ensures high-purity outputs suitable for direct reintegration into the supply chain. By leveraging strategic de-manufacturing and targeted hydrometallurgical separation, this process not only conserves natural resources but also reduces costs and emissions while creating a truly circular battery economy.

• Understand the limitations of traditional recycling methods and their impact on material recovery, environmental sustainability, and cost efficiency.

• Learn how a de-manufacturing and hydrometallurgical approach enables high-purity metal recovery while avoiding the inefficiencies of smelting and shredding.

• Explore the role of closed-loop recycling in securing a stable, sustainable battery materials supply chain for EV manufacturers and recyclers.

Addressing Waste Management Challenges In Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling

Patrick Curran, Co-founder and Senior Partner, Archimedes Industrial Advisory & Investment

A focus on the critical issue of waste management in the recycling of (EV) batteries. As the adoption of EVs continues to rise, managing the waste generated from battery recycling processes becomes increasingly vital. The session will delve into the key concerns and challenges faced by recyclers, exploring strategies to mitigate these issues effectively.

Key Concerns in Waste Management

• Overview of the growing importance of effective waste management in EV battery recycling

• The environmental and economic implications of poor waste management practices

• Identification and categorization of waste types generated during the recycling of EV batteries (e.g., hazardous waste, electronic waste, residual materials)

• Environmental impacts of improper waste disposal

• Health and safety concerns associated with handling and processing battery waste

Challenges in EV Battery Waste Management

• Technical challenges in segregating and processing different waste streams

• Economic barriers to implementing comprehensive waste management systems

• Regulatory challenges and compliance requirements

Best Practices for Waste Management

• Strategies for effective waste segregation and material recovery

• Implementation of advanced recycling technologies to minimize waste

• Developing and following standardized protocols for waste handling and disposal

• Training and safety measures for personnel involved in waste management

Innovative Solutions and Technologies

• Introduction to emerging technologies in waste processing and recycling

• Role of artificial intelligence and automation in improving waste management

• Innovative approaches to repurposing and reusing battery waste materials

Regulatory Considerations and Compliance

• Overview of key regulations governing waste management in EV battery recycling

• Best practices for ensuring compliance with local, national, and international regulations

• Collaborating with regulatory bodies to develop sustainable waste management policies

Morning Networking Break

Recycling Economics: Balancing Profitability And Sustainability In The EV Battery Lifecycle

Moderator: Daniel Shapiro, Technology Deployment Manager, Office of Manufacturing & Energy Supply Chains / Batteries and Critical Materials, U.S Department of Energy (DOE)

Panelists: Alex Hsia, Founder and CTO, EcoX Energy Inc.

Cameron Lippert, Co Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, ElectraMet

Patrick Curran, Co-founder and Senior Partner, Archimedes Industrial Advisory & Investment

Praveen Cherian, Executive Vice President, Capgemini

This roundtable will engage participants in a dynamic discussion about the economic aspects of recycling electric vehicle batteries. As the industry seeks to enhance sustainability, it faces the challenge of balancing profitability with environmental responsibility. Attendees will explore the economic drivers behind battery recycling, including cost structures, material recovery rates, and emerging business models that support both financial viability and sustainable practices. Through collaborative dialogue, participants will share insights and strategies for optimizing the economic landscape of EV battery recycling, ensuring a greener future while maintaining robust profit margins.

• Discuss the key economic factors influencing profitability in the EV battery recycling sector

• Share best practices and innovative business models that successfully balance sustainability and financial success

• Explore collaborative opportunities among stakeholders to enhance the economic feasibility of battery recycling initiatives

Enhancing EV Battery Recycling Through Advanced Adhesive Technologies

Marlen Valverde, PhD., Global Technical Manager ePower and Energy Storage, H.B. Fuller

As EV adoption grows, effective battery recycling is essential for sustainability and resource efficiency. However, the increasing complexity of battery designs, poses significant challenges for disassembly and material recovery. This presentation highlights the critical role of adhesive technology in addressing these challenges. The right adhesives not only enable secure bonding during battery operation but also facilitate efficient, safe disassembly at end-of-life, reducing costs and environmental impact. By leveraging innovative adhesive solutions, manufacturers and recyclers can streamline processing, improve safety, and support a circular economy for EV batteries.

• Understand the Challenges of Battery Recycling:Learn how increasing battery design complexity impacts disassembly and material recovery.

• Explore the Role of Adhesive Technology:Discover how advanced adhesives enable both secure bonding during use and efficient, safe disassembly at end-of-life.

• Optimize Recycling Processes for Sustainability: Gain insights into how innovative adhesive solutions can reduce costs, improve safety, and support a circular economy for EV batteries.

Accelerating EV Battery Reuse: High-Throughput State-of-Health Diagnostics

Dave Mauer, Director of Business Development, ReJoule

As the volume of retired EV batteries grows, the challenge of efficiently assessing their viability for second-life applications becomes critical. Traditional cycling-based testing is slow, costly, and labor-intensive, limiting the scalability of battery repurposing efforts. This presentation will showcase the results of a study conducted by ReJoule and Renewance, where ReJoule’s BattScan050M device enabled rapid state-of-health (SOH) estimation of 1,670 EV battery modules. By leveraging Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and cloud-based data management, the study demonstrated how high-throughput testing can streamline battery reuse, reduce waste, and create a domestic supply of repurposed energy storage solutions.

• Understand the limitations of traditional EV battery testing methods and the need for scalable, rapid diagnostics.

• Explore how Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) enables fast and accurate SOH estimation for second-life applications.

• Learn how integrating cloud-based platforms with portable testing solutions can optimize logistics, reduce costs, and accelerate battery circularity.

Addressing Battery Recycling Technical Challenges Of Variable Formats And Chemistry For Metals Production In The Circular Economy

Derek Ramsell, Founder & CEO, Battery Metals, Inc.

This presentation will explore the critical technical challenges of recycling EV batteries with diverse chemistries and formats to support a sustainable circular economy. It will delve into the complexities of handling varying battery chemistries, including lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, and solid-state batteries, each with unique recycling requirements and safety considerations. The discussion will highlight the role of modular designs, automation, and standardized labeling in overcoming format variability. Furthermore, it will examine how advanced recovery technologies can ensure high-purity material production for reuse in battery manufacturing. By addressing these challenges collaboratively, the industry can drive efficient and sustainable recycling practices to meet the growing demand for EV battery materials.

• Understanding Chemistry and Format Challenges: Analyze the complexities of recycling batteries with diverse chemistries and formats, including the safety, disassembly, and material recovery challenges they present.

• Exploring Innovative Solutions: Learn about cutting-edge technologies, such as automated sorting, modular designs, and advanced material recovery processes, that are shaping the future of efficient battery recycling.

• Building a Collaborative Approach: Understand how collaboration among manufacturers, recyclers, and policymakers can establish industry standards and scalable infrastructure to support the circular economy.

Networking Lunch Break

Waste Not, Win Big: Closing the Loop on Sodium Sulfate in Battery Production

Bilen Akuzum, Co-Founder & CTO, Aepnus Technology

As the EV battery industry expands, so does the challenge of managing sodium sulfate waste—a byproduct with significant environmental and economic implications. Aepnus introduces an innovative electrolysis platform that converts sodium sulfate into valuable chemicals like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide. This breakthrough not only reduces CO2 emissions but also supports the circular economy by repurposing waste into high-demand resources. Join us to explore pilot results, real-world applications, and the transformative potential of this technology for the EV battery supply chain.

• Understand the Challenge: Gain insights into the scale and impact of sodium sulfate waste in the growing EV battery industry and its environmental implications

• Explore Innovative Solutions: Learn how Aepnus’ electrolysis technology converts waste into critical chemicals, addressing sustainability bottlenecks while supporting a circular economy

• Discover Real-World Applications: Review case studies and projections to understand the practical benefits and adoption strategies of this transformative technology within the battery supply chain

The Road Ahead: Collaborative Solutions For EV Battery Recycling Challenges

Moderator:

Panelists:

David Monk, New Business Development Manager, Ascend Elements 

Steven Wu, COO, American Battery Technology Company

Christina Chilcote, Director of Business Development, Blue Whale Materials LLC

TBC, Li-Cycle

TBC, EnergyX

TBC, Cirba Solutions

TBC, Lithion Technologies

This roundtable will bring together leading voices from major EV battery recycling companies to discuss the critical challenges facing the industry. Panelists will delve into pain points such as scaling recycling capacity, managing hazardous materials, regulatory hurdles, and technological advancements needed for the circular economy. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into how these challenges are being addressed today and explore collaborative pathways to a sustainable and efficient EV battery recycling ecosystem.

• Understanding Current Challenges: Identify the major technical, regulatory, and logistical barriers impacting the scalability and efficiency of EV battery recycling.

• Exploring Collaborative Opportunities: Learn how collaboration between recyclers, OEMs, and the wider supply chain can accelerate innovation and resolve shared pain points.

• Gaining Insights into Future Trends: Discover the evolving landscape of recycling technologies, market drivers, and sustainability goals shaping the next decade in EV battery recycling.

Advancing Hydrometallurgical Solutions for Critical Battery Materials

Alex Hsia, Founder and CTO, EcoX Energy Inc.

This session will explore the complex challenges associated with the hydrometallurgical recycling process for battery materials, focusing on the extraction and purification of valuable metals from black mass. Attendees will gain insights into the technical, environmental, and economic obstacles and learn about innovative solutions and best practices to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of battery recycling.

Challenges in Processing Complex Feedstock: 

• Managing the variety of materials in batteries

• Techniques for effective initial separation and dealing with impurities

Chemical Handling and Safety Concerns

• Best practices for handling corrosive chemicals and ensuring worker safety

• Strategies for managing hazardous by-products and preventing environmental contamination

Efficiency and Selectivity in Metal Extraction

• Methods for treating and disposing of solid and liquid waste

• Approaches to optimize energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint

Economic Viability of the Recycling Process

• Cost analysis of reagents and chemicals used in the process

• Impact of fluctuating market prices for recovered metals on profitability

Technological Challenges and Innovations

• Continuous process optimization to enhance efficiency and yield

• Scaling up from laboratory to industrial-scale operations

Regulatory and Compliance Issues

• Navigating environmental regulations and standards for recycling

• Ensuring recovered materials meet industry quality standards

From Stuck to Sorted: Overcoming Debonding Hurdles in EV Battery Disassembly

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the technical, safety, economic, environmental, regulatory, and scalability challenges, along with innovative solutions and best practices.

• Importance of Addressing Debonding Challenges for Sustainability and Efficiency

• Complex Bonding Techniques: Strategies for reversing advanced bonding methods

• Material Composition: Handling diverse materials within batteries

• Precision and Control: Techniques for achieving precise control over the debonding process

• Understand the complexities of material recovery and the advanced techniques required

• Explore solutions to handle varied materials and complex bonding techniques

• Evaluate the economic aspects of debonding technologies and their cost-effectiveness

• Scalability: Developing scalable debonding processes for large volumes of batteries

• Integration with Existing Infrastructure: Adapting new technologies into existing facilities

• Gain diverse perspectives and insights to address the multifaceted challenges of debonding

Bridging The Gap: OEM-Recycling Partnerships Driving Sustainable End-of-Life Solutions

Moderator:

Panelists:

Kevin Hobbie, Global Operations Manager, Green Li-ion

Michael Parton, Group Manager – Battery Raw Materials, Lucid Motors (TBC)

William Q. Walker, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer, KULR Technology Group, Inc.

Mitchell Regenstreif, Battery Recycling, Nickel & Cobalt Category Manager, Ford Motor Company

Ian Hoff, Head of Sales – Commercial, TerraCycle

This roundtable will focus on the critical collaboration between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and battery recyclers in managing the end-of-life phase of electric vehicle batteries. As the number of EVs on the road increases, effective end-of-life management becomes essential to ensure sustainability and resource recovery. Participants will discuss strategies for designing batteries with recycling in mind, as well as the role of OEMs in establishing take-back programs and fostering partnerships with recyclers. The session will also address regulatory considerations and best practices for maximizing material recovery while minimizing environmental impact.

• Explore the importance of collaboration between OEMs and recyclers in developing effective end-of-life management strategies for EV batteries

• Discuss design considerations that enhance recyclability and facilitate the recovery of valuable materials

• Identify regulatory challenges and opportunities for creating a sustainable framework for battery recycling and end-of-life management

Circular Strategies Powering a Resilient EV Supply Chain

Kevin Hobbie, Global Operations Manager, Green Li-ion

We are at a critical juncture in the Western world, where decades of outsourcing manufacturing to the East have left us with a significant gap in our ability to process and recover the critical materials needed for the EV supply chain.
As demand for EVs continues to grow, so does the urgency to establish robust domestic recycling and refining capabilities. But what does it take to build a truly circular battery economy?
This session will explore the current state of Western recycling infrastructure, the bottlenecks preventing full-scale material recovery, and the policy and industry collaborations needed to accelerate progress.
Attendees will gain insight into the technological, economic, and regulatory factors shaping the future of EV battery recycling—and walk away with a clearer understanding of how they can contribute to closing the loop.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Assessing the Current Landscape: Understand the gaps and opportunities in Western EV battery recycling, including the limitations of existing infrastructure.

• Pathways to Self-Sufficiency: Explore strategies for building a domestic, closed-loop battery supply chain, from policy incentives to technological advancements.

• Collaboration for a Circular Economy: Identify ways OEMs, recyclers, and policymakers can work together to ensure sustainable material recovery and supply security.

Networking Break

End-of-Life Batteries: Who’s Buyin?

Tyler Helps, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder, Currents

This presentation will explore the critical role of low-cost, user-friendly testing equipment in the end-of-life vehicle and battery supply chain. Attendees will gain insights into how adopting efficient testing processes can enhance the value of EV batteries, support circularity, and address pressing challenges in battery reuse and recycling.

• Understand the cost-benefit dynamics of battery testing in the end-of-life supply chain

• Discover practical strategies for integrating low-cost, easy-to-use testing solutions to maximize battery value

• Explore how efficient testing aligns with the broader goals of battery circularity and reuse within the EV ecosystem

Efficient Reintegration of Critical EV Battery Minerals

Haixia Casey Deng, Founder and CEO, XERA ENERGY

The battery supply chain outside China faces a critical gap; while companies address black mass recycling and cathode production, the midstream NMC refinery process is notably absent.  Conventional methods are overly complex and resource-intensive, while newer approaches often lack industrial experience and fail to address real pain points.  Fragmented supply chains further stall progress, as dependencies like chemical inputs and byproduct management fail to align.  This creates a “death valley” of stalled innovation.

This strategy emphasizes targeted innovation, streamlined execution, and market alignment to deliver impactful solutions.

• Build on proven technology for practical innovation; XERA ENERGY focuses Ni and Li, avoiding overly ambitious, unscalable approaches.

• Streamline and integrate processes to address supply chain segmentation.

• Align with supply and market demand for optimal product adoption.

Closing the Loop with Advanced Cathode Engineering

David Monk, New Business Development Manager, Ascend Elements

The terms “circularity” and “closed loop” are often used to describe battery recycling processes like pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, but these traditional recycling processes are just the first steps in any round-trip journey of battery materials.

The typical outputs of battery recycling require extensive processing before they can go into new EV batteries. 

This presentation puts recycled battery materials under the microscope and explores the steps needed to engineer new, battery-ready cathode active material (CAM).

• Understanding the Challenges of Recycled Material Utilization: Analyze the limitations of traditional recycling methods, such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, in producing battery-ready cathode active materials (CAM).

• Exploring Advanced Cathode Engineering: Discover the essential steps and technologies required to transform recycled materials into high-quality CAM suitable for new EV batteries.

• Driving Circularity Through Collaboration: Learn how collaboration among recyclers, material engineers, and EV manufacturers can streamline the integration of recycled materials into the battery production cycle, fostering a closed-loop ecosystem.

Next-Gen Tech Meets Battery Recycling: Quantum, AI & Blockchain in Action

Ravi Gade, VP of Business Strategy, Bridge Green Upcycle

This presentation explores how cutting-edge technologies—quantum computing, generative AI, and blockchain—are revolutionizing battery recycling and repurposing to meet the demands of a sustainable energy future. 

Quantum computing offers unprecedented capabilities for solving complex material recovery and optimization problems, while generative AI enhances diagnostics, process automation, and material yield predictions. Blockchain ensures transparency and traceability across the battery lifecycle, fostering trust and regulatory compliance. 

By integrating these technologies, we unlock pathways for a circular economy in energy storage, minimizing waste, maximizing value, and setting new standards for environmental stewardship.

The Strategic Imperative For EV Battery Recycling In A Resource-Constrained World

Michael Liu, Managing Director, Volta Foundation

As global EV adoption accelerates, battery recycling is no longer an environmental necessity but a strategic imperative for supply chain resilience and resource security. This presentation will provide a high-level assessment of the evolving recycling landscape, highlighting economic drivers, policy interventions, and technological advancements shaping the industry. We will examine the challenges of scaling closed-loop systems, from the volatility of raw material prices to the impact of regional protectionist policies. This session will set the stage for the discussions ahead, providing a framework to contextualize the key themes and challenges that will be explored throughout the conference.

• Learn how global EV sales growth and shifting supply chain risks impact demand for battery recycling

• Discover how the evolving battery recycling value chain and its business models open up new regional opportunities and challenges

• Understand the role of OEMs, policymakers, and recyclers in shaping the future of battery circularity

Chairs Closing Remarks

All Attendee Drinks Reception