How Do We Recycle EV Batteries?

Key Takeaways:

• EV batteries can be recycled, and in some cases, even reused. 
• Recycling EV batteries properly is essential; it helps reduce the environmental impact of improperly disposed batteries. 
• The reuse of EV batteries takes into consideration factors such as safety, regulatory requirements, and coordination of the collection system. 
• Reusing and recycling of EV batteries at the end of their life cycles is part of a healthy EV ecosystem and infrastructure. 
• Planning for EV recycling in the Philippines could open opportunities and promote growth. 

The Life Cycle of an EV Battery

How long does an EV battery last? Experts are split on this. U.S. News says EV batteries last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Some say it’s hard to tell just when batteries start to degrade and depends on many factors such as when the EV was purchased, the size of the battery, and even the type of battery. 

First-generation EV models purchased in 2010 have the highest rate of battery replacements, according to Recurrent. This tells us a lot about an EV’s life span, and the estimated number of years could somewhat be a reliable gauge. 

Newer EV models that came out after 2020 have larger battery sizes than their earlier counterparts by as much as 122%, which gives these EVs more capacity and possibly a longer life span. 

What happens to EV batteries when they die?

EV batteries are comprised of precious minerals such as lithium-ion, manganese, cobalt, silicon, and nickel. When an EV battery reaches its end of life, these minerals can be recycled to make new batteries. 

The EV battery itself can also be recycled, but many reports say that this does not commonly happen, and disposal is the common route taken when it comes to dead EV batteries. This is likely because there aren’t enough EV batteries that have come to the end of their life cycles for it to be considered much of a problem. For now, that is.

However, in the long run, especially with the race towards shifting towards electric vehicles, dead EV batteries will eventually become a concern. Before that happens, researchers are looking for ways to secure proper recycling and reuse systems in place. 

Recycling EV batteries is important, as it helps reduce the environmental impact of improper disposal of these batteries. 

The Case for Recycling and Reusing EV Batteries

Old EV batteries can still find new purposes for powering other things. These can be used as a backup source of power during emergencies, and they can also be used as a makeshift power source in small rural villages via solar power grids. 

More than 95% of its mineral elements may be recycled, either by being used in new EV batteries or used in various energy storage systems. 

Meanwhile, reuse is also a viable option. A study made on the Reuse of Electric Vehicles in ASEAN mentioned that a wide range of options for reusing and recycling EV batteries is necessary. Practices that take into consideration health and safety, the technology to evaluate waste batteries’ performance, regulatory requirements, and collection systems should be carefully reviewed before implementation. 

Special Case Study: The Philippines

The same study shows that according to our government’s Clean Energy Scenario in the Philippine Energy Plan, the adoption of EVs is expected to reach 10% by 2040. Comparatively, our country’s shift toward electric vehicles might be a tad slower than countries like China and the U.S. It will take time for legislation and policies that support EVs to catch up. 

Further, this study shows that there are 5,002 EV units available in our country as of 2019. In 2020-2021, this number increased to 8, 682 units. This number encompasses EVs such as e-motorcycles, e-bikes, e-tricycles, e-quads, e-jeeps, e-trucks, and e-buses. 

There is currently no solid EV battery reuse plan in effect in our country to date. However, because of the country’s thrusts toward strengthening renewable energy, recycling EV batteries for these purposes may be a possible avenue for exploration. 

The challenge we face is building a solid ecosystem and infrastructure to support EVs and the recycling of EV batteries. Proper facilities that can handle extracting and separating the minerals in EV batteries for secondary use are needed.  Planning for the shift to electric vehicles is needed, and that includes what will happen when EV batteries reach the end of their life cycle. 

Awareness and proper education on the environmental impact of waste batteries, and sustainability will also need special attention. The connection between EVs and the country’s plans for renewable power sources could create powerful outcomes and opportunities for growth.