Honda and Princeton NuEnergy Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Partnership

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Princeton NuEnergy Inc. (PNE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance their collaboration that is focused on next-generation lithium-ion battery recycling technologies.

The partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to bolstering the circular battery materials supply chain and domestic energy independence. 

Honda and PNE have been conducting joint technical validation of PNE’s plasma-based Direct Recycling and Upcycling technologies for lithium-ion battery manufacturing scrap and end-of-life materials since 2022. As a result, PNE has generated rejuvenated NMC cathode active material with performance characteristics that are comparable to virgin material. 

“Our work with Honda shows strong technical alignment and a clear pathway for advancing circular battery materials,” said Dr. Chao Yan, Co-Founder and CEO of Princeton NuEnergy, in a statement. “This 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 MOU features a framework for a strategic partnership that will focus on collaborative validation projects as well as the potential for future commercial-scale applications. It directly supports Honda’s global electrification strategy and PNE’s mission to expand cost-efficient production of battery-grade cathode active materials within a closed-loop platform. 

A Honda representative added, “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. This MOU represents an important step forward in our efforts to advance long-term solutions that support our global electrification strategy.” 

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