Using its patented Hydro-to-Cathode® process and recycled materials, Ascend Elements can manufacture new EV battery material (NMC 622 cathode) at a 49% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional cathode manufacturing processes that rely on primary materials from mining. By 2030, the company aims to achieve a 90% reduction in carbon footprint for its NMC 622 cathode product, according to a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) published this week. The study was conducted by a third-party in accordance with the ISO 14067:2018 standard and independently reviewed and verified.
“We have an opportunity to make new EV battery materials, and new EVs, far cleaner than they are today,” said Mike O’Kronley, CEO of Ascend Elements. “With our ultra-efficient Hydro-to-Cathode® process and use of recycled battery materials instead of primary materials from mining, we can cut the climate impact of new cathode material in half. Beyond that, we’re on a path to achieve a 90% reduction in carbon footprint by 2030.”
The company’s decarbonization path includes use of 100% renewable energy in its recycling and manufacturing facilities, use of rail to transport materials, and use of responsibly sourced lithium carbonate (Li²CO³). According to the study, the production of 1 kg of typical cathode material (NMC 622 with primary material from mining) generates 42.8 kg of CO2 emissions. Using Ascend Elements’ manufacturing process today with recycled battery material, the production of 1 kg of NMC 622 cathode generates 21.9 kg of CO2 emissions. With the company’s decarbonization plans achieved by 2030, the production of 1 kg of NMC 622 cathode will generate just 4.4 kg of CO2 emissions.
“To put these numbers in perspective, if we manufacture 10,000 metric tons of Hydro-to-Cathode® NMC 622 using our decarbonized future process, the carbon emissions reduction would be like removing 83,500 gas-powered cars from the road for one year.”