HOBI International, Retriev partner to recycle EV batteries

HOBI International Inc., Batavia, Illinois, and Retriev Technologies Inc., a lithium battery recycling facility based in Lancaster, Ohio, have entered into a collaborative partnership to collect and recycle large-format electric vehicle (EV) batteries throughout North America.

According to a news release from Retriev, the companies recognized the rapid expansion and projected growth of the EV market.

“The rapid electrification of the U.S. consumer, commercial and industrial business sectors requires rapid response and structuring from experienced members of the recycling industry. HOBI, with nearly 30 years of ongoing related experience, is dedicated to be part of the solution managing these devices and products at the end of their first or second life,” says Craig Boswell, president of HOBI.

The goal of the relationship will be to ensure that the lithium batteries used in EVs are collected and responsibly recycled in a manner that creates value within the battery industry’s circular economy. Through the partnership, HOBI will use its facilities and client relationships to facilitate collection and other battery-related services to clients, while Retriev will provide the actual battery recycling services. Retriev says its facility in Lancaster uses a hydrometallurgical recycling process for batteries. The partnership will also leverage HOBI’s demanufacturing expertise and regional coverage provided by HOBI and Retriev’s footprint to mitigate logistics costs.

“As more states adopt measures similar to California, which has implemented a ban on internal combustion engines sold in the state starting in 2030, the EV market will grow exponentially in the coming years,” says Rick Rose, vice president of Retriev Technologies’ corporate headquarters in Ohio. “The end-of-life management and recycling of these batteries is critical for environmental safety and sustainability and it must be addressed now.”