France EV market: Battery recycling growth and Lucid Motors entry

The electric vehicle sector in France is facing two distinct developments: the emergence of a massive battery recycling market and the entry of a new luxury competitor.

By 2028, the French market for recovering materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries—including lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminum—is projected to be worth approximately one billion euros. This industrial resource is expected to grow as the first major wave of electric vehicles sold in the early 2020s reaches the end of its primary lifecycle.

Simultaneously, the American manufacturer Lucid, which receives support from Saudi Arabia, is expanding its presence in France. The company plans to showcase two models, the Air Grand Touring sedan and the Gravity Grand Touring SUV, at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Lucid aims to compete in the premium electric segment against established German manufacturers, offering high-performance technology and significant range capabilities.