Will EV batteries be useful when better batteries are released? Billions of dollars have gone into the current batteries; what’s the story?

The next type of EV batteries expected should be solid-state models. These batteries are supposed to provide incredible driving range, charge faster than lithium-ion batteries, and be much more energy efficient. This means the world will be filled with older batteries that we aren’t sure what to do with. Thankfully, there’s already a precedent for these large EV batteries.

Will they end up in landfills?

We know that we’re not supposed to throw away some types of small batteries, but it’s likely that you’ve probably accidentally done so. Many of these small batteries used in modern electronics end up in landfills if not disposed of properly, but this shouldn’t happen with batteries in electric vehicles. These massive batteries weigh hundreds of pounds and can’t simply be put in the kitchen garbage can.

Battery recycling is already happening

Although the EV market is still relatively new, some vehicles have been using lithium-ion batteries for several years. This means early models of the Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, and Nissan Leaf have batteries that have been in a recycling program for many years. Instead of trashing the batteries, there are specialist companies that dismantle them.

These specialist firms have replaced many junkyards by removing the useful parts of dead or discarded vehicles. They dismantle the packs and break them down to the various materials. The cells of EV batteries are broken down and crushed to separate and purify the materials from the cells. This includes the nickel and lithium, which can be reused as viable materials for more batteries.

What do dealerships do with expired battery packs?

Car dealers also dispose of batteries from hybrid and electric vehicles responsibly. They set up contracts with recycling programs to collect the batteries and send them off to be broken down, dismantled, and reduced to be reused as future batteries or other products.

Although EV batteries hold a lot more energy than those found in hybrid vehicles, they are recycled the same way as the smaller models. These batteries are shipped to recycling facilities to be disassembled and broken down into components that can be reused. Many of the items are easy to gather and recycle, including:

• Steel
• Copper
• Aluminum

The rare earth materials are a little more difficult to gather but still can be separated to be reused for other products, including new batteries. The only non-recyclable part of an EV battery pack is the plastic, which makes up only a small portion of the total content.

Mining rare earth materials isn’t necessary to replace batteries

One of the greatest worries when the EV market began was whether or not the materials found in the battery cells would be recyclable and reusable. Thankfully, the recycling process is dynamic enough to separate the lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and aluminum to the point that these items are purified and can be used for a new battery.

This could mean mining of these materials could slow down once EVs are more plentiful on the road than ICE vehicles.

Materials could be found in future batteries

The concern over current EV batteries becoming landfill items when new solid state batteries are perfected isn’t a major concern at all. Its expected that these new batteries will use the same materials as the current lithium-ion batteries. This means the materials recycled from current EVs can be used for new models, even when new batteries are being produced.

Do EV batteries have a second life?

Some EV battery packs can have a second life outside of the original vehicle. There’s still plenty of energy in these batteries to operate golf carts or operate several kitchen appliances in a home. As the EV market grows, more uses for these EV batteries will be found and utilized, ensuring we get the most out of each one.