Norway and Sweden Join Forces on EV Battery Recycling

Photo Credit: BIL

Norway’s car importers’ association BIL and Sweden’s Mobility Sweden have formed a cross-border partnership to build a coordinated system for collecting and recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries, according to BIL’s official website. The move comes as Europe tightens regulations under the new EU Battery Regulation.

The two organizations will cooperate through their dedicated subsidiaries — Autoretur Battery Recycling (ABR) in Norway and FoRetur AB in Sweden — to establish a joint take-back and recycling framework for EV batteries. The program is designed to ensure compliance with upcoming EU standards while promoting sustainable and circular use of critical raw materials.

Later this month, both countries plan to launch tenders for recycling companies to process the growing number of end-of-life batteries. The initiative is expected to lay the groundwork for a harmonized Nordic approach, combining efficiency with environmental responsibility.

ABR, founded this month by BIL, will handle the collection and processing of used EV batteries in Norway. Demand for recycling capacity is rising sharply: estimates suggest that by 2030, Norway alone will need to process more than 50,000 batteries annually, climbing to over 100,000 by 2035.

“The automotive industry of the future will be largely electric. It is therefore crucial that we succeed in building an efficient and circular battery economy,” said Anna Henstedt, Head of Recycling at Mobility Sweden and CEO of FoRetur AB.

“Our aim is to ensure both environmental benefits for society and the competitiveness of the automotive industry,” added Erik Andresen, CEO of BIL.

The EU Battery Regulation, which entered into force in 2023, sets strict requirements for the entire lifecycle of batteries, from design to disposal. For the automotive sector, the regulation is a catalyst for investment in recycling capacity across Europe. Norway and Sweden’s collaboration highlights the growing importance of cross-border coordination in managing critical resources. Analysts note that establishing a robust recycling infrastructure not only reduces reliance on imported raw materials but also enhances industry competitiveness in the global EV race.

The Nordic partnership reflects a wider European shift towards circular battery value chains. By aligning efforts now, BIL and Mobility Sweden aim to position their members at the forefront of sustainable battery management.

Source: BIL