In 2022, 40% more EVs were registered than in 2021, and this huge increase in sales has led to questions being raised about what happens to an electric car’s battery when it’s no longer in use.
Let’s begin with the lifespan of a typical EV battery, which is longer than many people think. This was a potential concern when electric vehicles were first introduced to the masses, partly because people assumed EV batteries would degrade like iPhone batteries. However, modern EV batteries are designed to last for many years, with degradation varying depending on usage, charging habits and environmental conditions. Even if individual components become faulty, batteries consist of multiple cells, meaning certain faults can sometimes be repaired without replacing the entire battery. Most manufacturers also offer battery warranties that guarantee a minimum level of capacity, often around 70% for seven to eight years. With continuous improvements in battery technology, understanding EV battery charging, safety and long-term performance can help drivers make informed decisions about electric vehicle ownership.
What happens next is the part of an EV battery’s life that is often misconstrued. Due to regulations, EV batteries are banned from landfill. The incineration and disposal process has been prohibited meaning at this point the battery begins its second life. When the battery is no longer capable of running an EV, it still typically has 80% of usable charge capacity left in the battery that can be repurposed. At the end of its life, each battery is graded to determine whether it will be suitable for recycling or repurposing. If a battery is graded for repurposing it will often be used for secondary energy storage such as power packs or solar energy repositories. EV manufacturers all have their own protocols when their batteries need to be recycled, for example, Nissan repurpose their batteries in their factory delivery vehicles.
Although repurposing is the most sustainable option, some batteries may be damaged and unsuitable for reuse. In these cases, they are sent to recycling facilities, where valuable minerals and metals are extracted for use in new batteries. While recycling old materials instead of mining new ones offers environmental benefits, the process can be complex. Current methods include shredding and smelting or chemical extraction, and both have challenges to overcome. Advances in battery technology, including research into solid-state batteries, could further improve battery lifespan and performance. As EV technology continues to evolve, drivers should also understand how seasonal conditions affect battery performance. Read our guide to 10 tips for electric vehicle owners this winter for practical advice on preparing your electric vehicle for colder weather.
Although the recycling of EV batteries may not have reached its maximum effectiveness, the industry is definitely getting there. In the meantime, legislation is protecting the environment as well as encouraging companies to look to the future and invest in the research and development of new technologies.