In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Christian Marston, founder of Altilium, the UK clean technology company pioneering a circular economy for electric vehicle batteries. We explore how Altilium is transforming end-of-life EV batteries into a domestic source of critical minerals, helping to decarbonise automotive supply chains and strengthen the UK’s energy security. Christian shares his journey into battery innovation, explains why cathode active materials (CAM) are a critical missing link in the UK and European EV supply chain, and discusses Altilium’s landmark achievement as the only UK producer of CAM. We also dive into the company’s recent breakthroughs, including the production of the UK’s first EV battery cells made from recycled materials at UKBIC. The conversation covers major government support and global investment, partnerships with OEMs such as JLR and Nissan, and Altilium’s strategic locations in the South West and Teesside. We unpack the realities of EV battery recycling, challenge common myths, examine the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy, and discuss what’s still needed to scale a truly circular battery economy. Finally, Christian looks ahead to what success could mean over the next five years – for Altilium, for clean transport, and for building a resilient, low-carbon battery supply chain in the UK and Europe.
","author_name":"Louise Creasy"}