Old Batteries, New Power for Europe

tozero turns spent cells into fresh graphite for EV makers, boosting Europe’s push for a stable battery supply

15 Feb 2025

Europe’s battery race just picked up speed. In Munich, the startup tozero has pulled off a feat that has stumped recyclers for years: producing recycled graphite clean enough to power the next generation of electric cars. The advance puts the company in a strong position as the region tries to build a steadier, homegrown battery supply.

Graphite hides in every EV battery. Europe buys almost all of it from abroad, which leaves the industry exposed each time global trade shifts. tozero aims to loosen that grip. Its team developed a process that skips harsh chemicals and keeps emissions in check while producing fresh, battery-grade graphite from discarded cells.

“This is about more than recycling, it’s about independence,” said Zora Weng, the company’s co founder. “We want batteries built here from materials recovered here.”

Graphite is not the firm’s only achievement. tozero began commercial shipments of recycled lithium in early 2024, adding another piece to Europe’s circular battery puzzle. New rules set to take effect in 2031 will require minimum levels of recycled material in every new battery, so companies that master these steps early stand to benefit.

Analysts say the shift signals a broader change in thinking. Recycling has moved from a feel good idea to a strategic tool. Raw material prices have climbed, and political tensions keep reshaping trade routes. Building secure supply lines inside Europe now sits at the center of long term planning.

Growth will still bring hurdles. tozero must scale production, meet strict quality demands, and secure a steady stream of used batteries. Yet interest from carmakers and investors suggests the company has wind at its back.

As Europe leans further into electrification, tozero’s work could help turn yesterday’s batteries into tomorrow’s building blocks, strengthening the region’s push for a stable, resilient battery industry.