US Researchers Convert Waste EV Batteries into Lithium and Fertilizer

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee have devised an ion‑exchange process that dissolves spent lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) batteries from electric vehicles. The method captures more than 90% of the lithium for reuse and transforms the remaining phosphorus‑rich solution into a high‑quality agricultural fertilizer enriched with potassium and nitrogen.

The chemical treatment reaches equilibrium in about 20 minutes, suggesting it can be scaled for industrial use. Laboratory work is complete, and a field test on a one‑acre tomato farm funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture will compare the new fertilizer with conventional products. If successful, the technology could lower dependence on imported fertilizer, create green‑energy jobs, and provide a sustainable outlet for the growing stream of end‑of‑life EV batteries.