Are EV Batteries Recyclable?
Batteries are an essential part of the electric vehicle infrastructure, responsible for storing and supplying electrical power to the vehicle. With EV battery technology advancing at a rapid pace, these batteries are now more powerful and stable than ever before. As more and more people make the switch to an all-electric vehicle, you might begin to wonder about the lifespan of these batteries and if they can be repurposed once they’re worn out. Just like a cell phone battery wears out over time, so does an EV battery. The good news is that this process takes much longer and these batteries won’t end up in a landfill anytime soon! Our team has explored this topic and wants to provide you with the timeline for recycling and repurposing an EV battery. Let’s take a closer look!
EV Battery Recycling Explained
On average, an EV battery will experience approximately 2% range loss per year. This battery degradation can be accelerated by extreme temperatures, harsh driving, and lack of service. Individual cells contained within the battery can sometimes be replaced while other types of EV batteries require a complete replacement once worn out completely. Once replaced or retired from service, you might be wondering exactly what happens to old EV batteries.
Most manufacturers have partnered with dedicated battery recycling companies to recycle and/or repurpose batteries. First, the decommissioned batteries are separated from the vehicle chassis and sent to a safe location for recycling. Next, they’re disassembled and valuable raw materials are harvested from within the cells. Examples of these materials include nickel, cobalt, and lithium – all of which can be reused to produce new batteries.
In other instances where the batteries are no longer suitable for powering a vehicle but still contain some life, they can be repurposed for other uses. For example, some companies are using retired EV batteries to capture and store energy from solar panels. Cheaper than producing new batteries for this purpose, EV batteries can gain a second life once taken out of service.
Will My EV Battery Need Replacement During Ownership?
If you purchase a new EV, it’s very likely that the battery will outlive the vehicle itself. That means that it’s unlikely that you’ll ever have to worry about replacing the battery during your ownership if you’re the original owner. Although you may experience battery degradation that we’ve mentioned above, it shouldn’t have a significant impact on your driving experience while you own your EV. Better still, most manufacturers include robust warranty coverage for the battery itself. This means you can spend more time enjoying your electric vehicle and less time worrying about what’s going to happen to its battery!