This podcast, from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, is all about how the UK automotive industry is transitioning to net zero. In a series of interviews, we highlight key issues and developments, interesting projects and technologies emerging from one of the UK’s most innovative sectors on the road to net zero.
What happens to end-of-life EV batteries: Project RECOVAS
This collaborative R&D project was set up to build a new circular supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries in the UK, by developing the infrastructure to collect and recycle EVs and their batteries.
One of the repeated myths around EVs is that the batteries cannot be recycled, repaired or reused, and therefore end up in landfill.
It’s not true. Batteries are far too valuable to consider being discarded. Not only can almost all the materials be recycled to make new batteries, they can also often be repaired to go back into a vehicle or given a second life as stationary storage.
As more vehicles become electrified, greater volumes of batteries and battery materials are required, which will eventually reach end of life and be repurposed or recycled. Currently, end-of-life battery packs are shipped outside of the UK for treatment, at significant cost. Not only is this unsustainable, but it exports valuable metals which can be recovered for future use in the UK.
RECOVAS, an £8.75 million project, established pilot-scale EV depollution and battery shredding at EMR (lead project partner) sites, diagnostic and repair infrastructure at Autocraft, second life applications at Connected Energy, LCA at UKBIC, and research at WMG. Automotive OEMs such as JLR are involved to support research work and establish guidelines for repair, reuse, and recycling.
Visit our funding pages to see how Collaborate or other funding opportunities through DIRVE35 could support your next project.
31 Jul 2025
Demand forecasting feat. SMMT and Altilium
What are the APC's Quarterly Industry Demand Forecast Reports?
How are they used in industry? Why do the numbers matter?
This episode takes you through the process behind demand reporting, how the data is collected, and the challenges of forecasting.
Featuring SMMT's Chief Economist, Matthew Croucher and Christian Marston, COO of battery material recyclers Altilium, to explain why this research is important to industry. Including the APC's Head of Technology Trends Hadi Moztarzadeh.
To read the reports click here: https://www.apcuk.co.uk/knowledge-base/media-type/quarterly-demand-reports/
To take our survey on how to improve our demand reports, click here: https://forms.office.com/e/0ukVYwq1rj
23 Jul 2025
Introducing DRIVE35: £2.5 bn programme
🎙️ The Road to Net Zero is back!
Get ready for a brand-new series from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) as we dive into the future of clean, green automotive innovation.
We’re starting with DRIVE35 — the bold new initiative from the Department for Business and Trade that’s set to supercharge the UK’s journey to zero-emission vehicles.
With over £2.5 billion in funding to 2035, DRIVE35 is more than just funding. From cutting-edge R&D to scaling up game-changing technologies, this is your guide to the transformation of the UK’s automotive sector.
🚗 Discover how APC is powering this revolution with targeted government grants, tailored to three key priorities.📅 Stay ahead of the curve with regular funding competitions and insider tips on how to apply.💡 Hear from the experts shaping the future of mobility.
Whether you're an innovator, investor, or just passionate about sustainable transport, this podcast series is your roadmap to the future.
https://www.apcuk.co.uk/funding/
Inside a recent episode
What happens to end-of-life EV batteries: Project RECOVAS
Published 18 Sept 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] At the moment, we import those and then export them at end of life. So Recovast creates that circular supply chain in the UK to retain those critical materials. These critical materials are so valuable that we want to ensure any that come into the UK stay in the UK to be reused again and again. […]
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