Honda announces MOU for lithium-ion battery recycling
Honda has announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Princeton NuEngergy Inc. (PNE) to advance discussion around next-generation lithium-ion battery recycling technologies.
“The agreement reflects the companies’ shared intention to strengthen the circular battery materials supply chain and U.S energy independence through innovative recycling and rejuvenation pathways,” a press release says.
The two companies have conducted joint technical validation since 2022 of PNE’s plasma-based direct recycling and upcycling technologies for lithium-ion battery manufacturing scrap and end-of-life materials, the release says.
‘”Honda values the progress achieved through our collaboration with PNE and recognizes the importance of advanced recycling technologies in building a more sustainable materials ecosystem,” Honda says in a statement in the release. “This MOU represents an important step forward in our efforts to advance long-term solutions that support our global electrification strategy.”
The work has produced rejuvenated NMC cathode active material with performance characteristics comparable to virgin material, supporting Honda’s long-term goals for resource circularity and electrification.
Through the MOU, the companies have outlined a framework for a strategic partnership focused on collaborative validation projects and the potential for future commercial-scale applications, a release says. It adds that the MOU reflects alignment with Honda’s global electrification strategy and PNE’s mission to expand cost-efficient production of battery-grade cathode active materials through a closed-loop platform.
“Our work with Honda shows strong technical alignment and a clear pathway for advancing circular battery materials,” said Chao Yan, co-founder and PNE CEO, in the release. “MOU reflects a shared commitment to accelerating the next phase of sustainable, high-performance material production, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration.”
The release says that PNE recently expanded its manufacturing and has received a 2025 Smart Move SC New Plant Award, from South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
During the fall of 2025, Honda announced an investment in the Honda Research Institute located at the Ohio State University including the establishment of a new Advanced Materials Science Lab.Battery recycling is one of the focuses of the lab, according to a release.
Earlier this month, two Canadian nonprofit organizations, Plug’n Drive and Call2Recycle Canada, have announced a new partnership to introduce EV battery recycling education to young students.
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