Voices raised in China about the low numbers of EV batteries finding their way to white-listed recyclers. High demand/overcapacity drives up prices on EOL batteries, making big players calling for increased regulations. Some missing points here though. >
https://www.yicai.com/news/100918106.html

It's absolutely true that many batteries go to smaller recyclers instead of the large players. With far more precursor producers processing recycled materials than only the white-listed recyclers the smaller players have many downstream options. >

As the first option always is to reuse the batteries (for small as well as large recyclers) agile players can buy smaller quantities for higher prices and still make money. Not least because they aren't locked into contracts with eg China Tower which pay less than co's overseas.>

But most importantly a number that never seems to be challenged is China Automotive Technology Research Center's estimate of 200,000 EOL EV batteries in 2020 based on a life time of 4-5 yrs. Our estimate in 2020 was 44K tonnes on cell level≈80K-90K tonnes pack level incl buses.>

Neither is there among recyclers any discussion about China's new policy on export of used EVs which already began in September last year. >

What happens in China now will happen in Europe and the US in 5 years.

Policy makers and companies in the value chain should look more closely on the Chinese market and learn from both their success and mistakes.