The announcement comes after a study period to identify and select a European partner with whom to recycle in a safely and sustainable way the ion-lithium batteries that are mounted on two new Toyota models: the recently launched Mervenerate Toyota Prius+, seven seats, and the plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius plug-in Hybrid.
The exclusive recycling of UMICORE recycling recycling uses a patented foundry technology at ultra -high temperature (UHT, Ultra High Temperature). This process allows recycling the elements of value, such as cobalt, nickel and copper, of the ion-lithium batteries exhausted in a profitable and environmental way. UMICORE is also the only company in the world that has two specific desailed lines for batteries of hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles, in Germany and in the United States, which supply materials to its Hoboken plant (Belgium). Currently, the two companies are in the process of closing a collaboration agreement.
In October last year, Tme became the first European manufacturer to announce a new collaboration agreement for the recycling of nickel hydride batteries mounted on all combined hybrid models Full Hybrid Toyota and Lexus sold since 2000.
The combination of these two alliances constitutes the backbone of the Toyota Plan to fully comply with the Batteries Directive of the European Commission 2006/66/EC, the legal framework for the collection and treatment of industrial batteries in Europe. As a consequence, Toyota Motor Europe will be well above the recycling efficiency objective of the European Commission.
