The company has already begun recycling materials from its nickel metal hydride batteries. In March, Honda began supplying a battery manufacturer with rare earth metals which could be reused in new battery units.

Moving forward, the carmaker will partner with TDK Corporation and Japan Metals and Chemicals (JMC) to find ways of reusing the materials in hybrid batteries for motors. 

Detailed discussions will begin once the companies have sourced a sufficient supply of used batteries, which are being sourced through its dealer network in Japan.