What Electric Car Battery Recycling Can? Natural Friendship Fuel Innovation

Recycling Electric Car Battery (Azocleantech.com Image)

YOGYAKARTA - Between 2000 and 2018, the number of lithium-ion (LIB) batteries produced multiplied by 80. In 2018, 66% of them were used in electric vehicles (EVs). The planned development of electric mobility will increase battery demand, with the International Energy Agency estimating that between 2019 and 2030, battery demand will grow 17 times. Can electric car battery recycling be done?

This situation raises many questions regarding the materials used to produce these batteries: what resources are used? What are the environmental impacts of their extraction? Can the battery be recycled?

When viewing the material in LIB currently used in most EVs, the first thing to note is that there are several types of battery technology. Although all contain lithium, other components vary: batteries on the phone or computer contain cobalt, while batteries for vehicles may contain cobalt with nickel or manganese, or not at all in terms of iron-phosphate technology.

The precise chemical composition of this storage component is difficult to identify, since it is a trade secret. In addition, regular improvements are made on the battery to improve its performance, so that its chemical composition develops with time. After all, the main ingredients involved in the manufacture of LIB are lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and graphite. These have all been identified as materials that present supply and environmental risks.

The problem of supplying these materials is a complicated issue: on the one hand, the value of reserves is subject to geopolitical considerations and evolution in extraction techniques; on the other hand, the need for materials is very sensitive to hypothetical estimates (the number of EVs and battery sizes).

Currently, the only EV battery material worth recycling is cobalt. That leaves lithium, manganese, and nickel, among a number of other materials that may not be economically recycled or require additional processing to cost. That's not only bad for the environment because there is one ton of leftover material, but also bad for recycling because unless there are buyers queuing for lithium and manganese, they may be unlucky.

The two main methods of recycling batteries involve extreme or acidic temperatures. Both processes produce emissions and produce waste, which can end up in the environment. Then there is an economic problem, as many battery companies are seen using fewer cobalts. If that's the case, a slightly hit recycling profit margin will hit. There is a method known as direct recycling, which keeps the cathode mix intact, but isn't ready for use yet.

Beyond the fact that labor-intensive and sometimes dangerous to recycle material in batteries, as Science.org explains, the costs required to transport batteries from one place to another are considerable expenses. Estimates set the cost of transporting EV batteries by 40% of the overall recycling cost. In addition, due to fire risk, several shipping and transport companies have strict guidance on how and when EVs can be transported. Those receiving the charge may impose additional costs for the risks and complexities involved.

However, there is good news. Companies like Redwood Materials are working to reduce transportation costs and put more recycled material into new batteries. The company is working with California residents to improve the process of collecting and recycling used lithium-ion batteries at no cost to their owners.

The state itself formed a group of experts to design a new and more efficient battery recycling method, so while the industry may be behind EV adoption rates, significant steps are underway to close the gap.

How long does the electric car battery last?

In general, according to Carfax.com, automakers guarantee their electric car battery pack for at least eight years or 100,000 miles. California requires a longer warranty period of 10 years or 150,000 miles. Beyond warranty, there is a battery degradation issue. The battery loses some capacity over time, but not too much so that it generally becomes something to worry about with current long-range electric cars. Delegation also varies. Regularly letting the battery drop below 20 percent capacity can lead to faster degradation, as can the regular use of high-speed chargers.

A study like this from Geotab.com can help buyers understand what is expected to be related to EV battery degradation, even sorting the results by vehicle modeling. According to research, "Most batteries will last longer than the vehicle life."

So after knowing the recycling of electric car batteries, watch other interesting news on VOI, it's time to revolutionize news!