3 Eco

May 09, 2023

Even if your EV's battery has lost enough capacity that it's no longer suitable to power a car, it can still be useful for other applications.

Electric cars are considered an efficient and environmentally friendly form of personal transportation. However, as electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, retiring their batteries in an energy-efficient manner becomes critical to the future of our planet and its precious resources. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in EVs, can be hazardous for the environment if not properly disposed of.

In this article, we'll explore three sustainable options for an EV battery that's reached the end of its life on the road.

Recycling an EV battery is an eco-friendly option that will see a specialized company break down the battery into its component materials and use them to create new batteries or other products. Of all the types of EV batteries, lithium-ion remains the most common.

The most common lithium-ion battery recycling methods include:

The benefits of battery recycling include reducing the demand for new materials, minimizing the environmental impact of mining and manufacturing, and preventing toxic materials from entering the environment. This helps protect nature, but the process can be expensive and may only sometimes be feasible, depending on the specific battery type and condition.

Recycling may not be an option if the battery is too damaged or is too heavy and potentially hazardous to transport to a recycling facility. Without a centralized battery collection system, it's difficult to gather used batteries for recycling. And as the demand for electric vehicles and their batteries increases, the current recycling infrastructure may struggle to meet the demand. This could lead to a shortage of critical materials for new batteries and cause the price of these materials to increase, which would make electric vehicles less affordable for consumers.

We also don't currently have global standards for how to handle spent lithium-ion batteries, which leads to varying levels of efficiency and effectiveness among recycling plants. Without easy access to dedicated resources, the average consumer is likely to default to improper battery disposal. Efforts from industry giants, such as BMW's next-generation batteries, will help, but we ultimately need cooperation from government entities to standardize and scale the battery recycling initiatives.

Reconditioning is another sustainable option. This process involves restoring a partially degraded battery to its original state by replacing the cells and other components that have worn out over time or been damaged due to misuse. The resulting reconditioned batteries are tested, certified, and sold as second-hand products at a lower cost than new ones.

The benefit of this approach is that it prolongs the life span of EV batteries while also reducing waste and saving money compared to buying brand-new replacements. Reconditioning is best left to specialist companies with expertise in repairing lithium-ion batteries, although you could also attempt to do it in your own workshop. Only attempt this without specialist supervision if you're confident you know what you're doing—opening up an EV battery pack is relatively easy, but it can be dangerous.

Reconditioning is cheaper, faster, and less energy-intensive than traditional recycling methods. It also doesn't require expensive equipment since most repairs involve simple tools, such as screwdrivers or pliers, which require minimal training before use. Overall, reconditioning is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option that can help extend the lifecycle of an EV battery while also reducing waste and saving money over time.

Another eco-friendly option for retiring an electric car battery is repurposing it for second-life applications. EV batteries can still hold a significant amount of charge even after they are no longer useful for powering a vehicle. By finding another use for these batteries, they can continue to provide energy for other applications.

For example, retired EV batteries can be used for stationary energy storage, including in a home or business. They can, for instance, store excess solar energy during the day and provide power at night. Cells from repurposed batteries can also power electric forklifts or other equipment, reducing the need for new batteries and minimizing waste.

Several companies are developing second-life applications for retired EV batteries. For example, Nissan has several "second-life battery" initiatives for its LEAF electric vehicle, including installing second-life LEAF-sourced battery packs at its North American facilities and investigating new recycling methods. In 2021, Volkswagen Group also announced a battery recycling plant, as the automotive giant aims "to return valuable raw materials to the manufacturing process chain."

Ultimately, what happens to an electric car battery at the end of its life depends on its condition and the resources and time the battery owner is willing to commit to its responsible retirement. With a little research, you might find an organization in your area that would benefit from the in-kind donation, or you may choose to turn the project into an at-home science experiment to entertain the children during one summer weekend.

Whichever route you choose to say goodbye to your electric car battery, ensure it's done safely and sustainably to reduce waste. It's also worth noting how to best take care of your EV's battery to prolong its life as much as possible.

Alexandra is a trained Agile product manager, web marketer, and digital copywriter with 10 years of experience discussing web hosting and internet jargon, iOS and Mac products, and wellness topics. She holds a master's degree in Information Technology and is an avid user of smart home products. As a MakeUseOf author, Alexandra loves unpacking online security topics, advocating a healthy remote work-life balance, and introducing readers to the next must-have smart device.