On October 30th, Hydrovolt opens a new production line dedicated to the discharging and dismantling of batteries. The semi-automated line is the first of its kind in the world for battery recycling.

Hydrovolt's plant in Fredrikstad consists of two facilities, where this facility focuses on the collection, discharging, and dismantling of electric vehicle and industrial batteries.

In 2022, Hydrovolt's operators began manually dismantling electric vehicle and industrial batteries. By building knowledge and experience on how modern battery packs are constructed, the company has developed the world's most automated production line for discharging and dismantling batteries on an industrial scale.


We are the first to have an industrial and automated setup for battery discharging and dismantling. This is an important milestone for us and for a new industry that is developing and experiencing rapid growth

The company has built the production line based on innovative technology and its own experiences. The project has received 15.3 million in support from Enova and will contribute to increased efficiency and improved safety in battery recycling.


We store the residual energy, that previously went to waste, from collected batteries in a battery bank as part of the new line. This energy can be used for the facility's own consumption or be sold to the power grid as needed. It's a win-win solution and a great example of flexible, circular solutions


Helge Refsum, Chief Technology Officer at Hydrovolt.


With the support of the battery bank, Hydrovolt can annually recover approximately 1 GWh of electricity from the used batteries the company handles. This will be enough to power large parts, and potentially the entire facility, based on residual energy from collected batteries. Additionally, the company can support the power grid during periods of higher demand.


By using these solutions and the company's automated guided vehicles between various workstations, the new production line will provide increased knowledge about the best way to recycle large quantities of industrial batteries. The technology is now being commercially implemented on a large scale at the facility in Fredrikstad, with plans to use it at future facilities in Europe.

Hydrovolt is a battery recycling and raw materials company established in 2020. By pioneering battery recycling of EVs and industrial batteries, we create a circular solution for end-of-life batteries by producing high quality and sustainable secondary raw materials. At Hydrovolt, a battery can become a battery an infinite number of times. We do this to ensure that no battery is ever wasted through urban mining and recycling driven by our vision of a circular world. Hydrovolt is headquartered in Oslo while operating one of Europe’s largest EV battery recycling plants in Fredrikstad, Norway.

About Hydrovolt

Press release in English

Press release in Norwegian

Hydrovolt opens the world’s most automated battery recycling line

Hydrovolt has taken its final investment decision on expanding its business to France through establishing recycling capacity located in Hordain in the heart of Northern France’s battery valley.


Hydrovolt is already running one of Europe’s largest EV battery recycling plants in Fredrikstad, Norway. When the company now expands its business to France, it is based on the valuable experience and existing recycling activities in Norway.

Northern France is chosen as the preferred entry region as it is a growing hub for the battery value chain. The area has already attracted four major battery gigafactory investments, much due to the region’s location, skilled workforce and industrial and automotive tradition.


This is a big milestone for Hydrovolt, and the entry to the French market will help us maintain our position as a leading European recycler of EV and industrial batteries. It is key for us to establish local presence across Europe to help build a circular battery value chain


As a first step, Hydrovolt will be establishing a collection point with the ability to discharge and dismantle EV batteries and industrial batteries. The chosen site in Hordain already has a set-up suitable for recycling operations designed at approx. 3000 square meters. Pending final permits, the company estimates to start operations in 2025.

European demand for batteries is growing exponentially, mainly driven by the electrification of transport, with an expectation to further increase by 2030. Recycling provides a new supply of battery-grade metals which is preferable to freshly mined materials.

Norwegian press release

French press release

English press release

Hydrovolt invests in battery recycling capacity in France

Hydrovolt was featured on NRK (Norsk rikskringkasting), who is the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, Norway’s largest public broadcaster in July 2024. This was shortly after Hydrovolt announcing its investment plans in France.

In the report from the plant in Fredrikstad, Hydrovolt showcases the building of the new semi-autonomous production line for discharging and dismantling, which will become the world’s most automated line for these steps when commissioned.

Furthermore, Hydrovolt highlights their plans for the European market and speaks to the exciting movements in the emerging market for battery recycling.

https://www.nrk.no/ostfold/skal-vinne-tilbake-franske-elbilbatteri-1.16956499

https://tv.nrk.no/se?v=DKOV98070524&t=68s

Hydrovolt featured with French expansion on NRK