Researchers from the University of Münster predict that China will achieve a circular economy in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, specifically for lithium, cobalt, and nickel, by 2059. In contrast, Europe and the US are expected to achieve this milestone after 2070. The study analyzed when demand for these raw materials could be entirely met through recycling in different regions. It highlighted the importance of factors like the rate of electrification in the automotive industry and the potential impact on achieving circularity sooner than current predictions. The findings were published in the journal Resources Conservation and Recycling.