I was reading [this article](https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/04/lithium-costs-a-lot-of-money-so-why-arent-we-recycling-lithium-batteries/) and I was still a bit confused as to what the problem is. The article mentioned that only 1% of lithium ion batteries are recycled. The lithium batteries seem to be a huge controversy and downside to EVs because of the negative environmental impact. Making lithium ion batteries recyclable would be a huge gamechanger for EVs so I was wondering if someone who knew more could explain why.
In: 4
The main issue is that the industry isn’t eatablished yet and therefore it isn’t profitable.
Right now supply for used lithium is low.
Starting a lithium recycling factory today would be a huge risk. You will need to invest in research/developement of an efficient recycling processes and buy machines wich is expensive, and if you are finally in the positive numbers is lithium even still the best technology?
If battery technology starts using a new material all your investment was wasted as you now have a huge supply but no more demand for the recycled lithium.
In a political statement: you can’t trust the free market to solve every problem, some problems are simply not guaranteed to be profitable when solved.
Latest Answers