Electric cars are considered the most environmentally friendly means of transport. And what to do with their used batteries?
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It is estimated that by 2030, approximately 30 million electric vehicles (EVs) will be on European roads. Increasing the number of these vehicles is also a priority for the Lithuanian government. Additionally, global car manufacturers are ramping up EV production due to stricter environmental regulations.Nobody denies the benefits of electric vehicles—they produce no exhaust emissions and generate less noise. However, institutions and individuals alike are asking a natural question: what happens to used batteries? Will they be recycled or repurposed for new uses?
How long does a lithium-ion battery last?
Although the global electric vehicle market is still relatively new, expert data shows that soon the batteries in first-generation EVs will need replacing. For instance, earlier models like the 2010 Nissan Leaf are already being retired and replaced with newer models.
This means it is necessary to address the disposal of lithium-ion batteries from older EVs. For smaller vehicles (passenger cars), these batteries typically need replacing every 7–10 years, while larger vehicles (buses, vans) require battery replacement roughly every 3–4 years. Otherwise, the batteries lose efficiency, and their reduced capacity makes them unsuitable for use. As battery capacity diminishes, the EV's driving range decreases.
Unlike batteries in other electronics, such as mobile phones and tablets, which are typically used to full exhaustion, even a "spent" EV battery retains 70–80% of its original capacity. As a result, these batteries can be repurposed for other uses, such as energy storage for homes or industrial applications. Fully depleted batteries can then be recycled.
Will automotive giants recycle EV batteries?
Recent data shows that this process is already underway. Major global automakers are taking steps toward sustainable manufacturing. For example, Volkswagen recently opened a new facility in Salzgitter, Germany, to recycle old EV batteries. During the pilot phase, the facility aims to recycle up to 3,600 units or 1,500 tons of battery systems annually. The company's ultimate goal is for 90% of lithium battery materials to be converted into new raw materials for manufacturing.
Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Company is already repurposing old Leaf EV batteries for static energy storage in industrial and residential devices. They have also developed the "xStorage" energy storage device for private homes and commercial enterprises.
Another renowned Japanese company, Honda, has announced plans to collect and recycle used batteries from both EVs and hybrid vehicles. This initiative will either extend the batteries' lifecycle or recover valuable raw materials for use in producing new batteries.
Meanwhile, Tesla's goal is to recycle all batteries from their EVs rather than repurpose them as energy storage units. The company emphasizes that recycling recovered materials will eliminate the need for new metal mining, which is essential for lithium-ion battery production.
What about the situation in Lithuania?
As we know, Lithuania does not have Honda, Tesla, or Volkswagen manufacturing plants. So, what should be done with used lithium-ion batteries?
According to experts, used EV batteries are not currently recycled in Lithuania. Like other batteries installed in electrical devices, they are collected and exported abroad for recycling. This process is managed by the "Waste Management Center."
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