Canada Launches RECYCLEAN Project for EV Battery Recycling
A new research team is working to create a circular economy for critical minerals and PFAS in energy technologies.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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A team of 18 Canadian researchers has launched the RECYCLEAN project to develop methods for recycling critical minerals and PFAS from batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on new resource extraction as the nation prepares for a significant increase in electric vehicles.
Why it matters
The project seeks to address environmental and health hazards from electronic waste while decreasing geopolitical vulnerabilities in supply chains. By establishing a circular economy for energy technologies, researchers hope to secure materials needed for the transition to cleaner energy.
The New Frontiers in Research Fund provided a $24 million grant to support the team of 18 researchers. This effort supports a system currently managing 500,000 electric vehicles in Canada, a figure projected to grow to over 20 million by 2040.
The players
RECYCLEAN
This is a Canadian research team composed of 18 experts dedicated to the recycling of critical minerals and PFAS in energy technologies.
New Frontiers in Research Fund
This organization provided the $24 million grant to support the development of sustainable material recovery processes for energy technologies.
The details
The RECYCLEAN team utilizes an interdisciplinary approach across fields including chemistry, engineering, environmental science, business, and political science. Their primary goal is to design a circular economy to capture and reuse essential materials at the end of their useful life.
Timeline
2040 is the target year when Canada projects more than 20 million electric vehicles will be on the road.
Roadmap
The RECYCLEAN project aligns with Canada's national electric vehicle adoption targets as the country prepares to double its electrical grid capacity. This effort positions Canada to manage the lifecycle of millions of batteries, a critical step in scaling domestic energy storage infrastructure.
This research aims to reduce the environmental and health risks associated with the increasing number of batteries entering the national waste stream. As Canada scales to 20 million electric vehicles, the project supports the long-term feasibility and sustainability of local EV ownership.
The takeaway
Advancing battery recycling technology is essential for ensuring that the transition to electric vehicles remains sustainable for the environment. Implementing circular economy practices will help decrease dependence on international supply chains for critical minerals.
Further reading
Learn more about the future of Electric Vehicles in Canada.
Source note: This article includes information reported by U of T Engineering News.
Live Poll
Should Canada prioritize battery-powered energy transitions despite the environmental risks of forever chemicals?
