Recycling EV Batteries Deliver What You Need Today to Plan for Tomorrow

Aug 1, 2024 | Toolbox

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To meet the projected demands and growth of EVs, the battery recycling industry is rapidly evolving. It is predicted that EVs could account for 86 percent of global vehicle sales in 20301, and the International Energy Agency anticipates that every other car sold globally by 2035 is set to be electric2. In this ever-changing market, flexibility and adaptability sit at the forefront of the approach to electric vehicle battery recycling.

Current Reality

Batteries contain corrosive materials and hard metals, and when disposed of incorrectly it can be harmful to the environment, making it even more critical to dispose of batteries properly so they can be reused to benefit you, and the planet. As electric vehicles become more prevalent in society, and there is an increased demand for batteries, this issue becomes even more important.

How to Recycle EV Batteries Today

Electric vehicle batteries are complex due to the variety of materials used and different assembly methods adopted by each automotive OEM. Utilizing recycling technologies currently in the marketplace gives you options to retain the best economic value for your scrap and end-of-life batteries, while providing the most material back into the value chain.

From the beginning to the end of the battery recycling process, safe and compliant practices is paramount to the handling of EV batteries. There are many factors that go into this process:

• Battery Identification and Consulting: Prior to recycling your materials, it’s imperative to understand DOT compliance, the chemistry make-up of the battery and evaluating your scrap for any batteries that may be damaged. Combined, this helps to determine how to best use the recovered materials in new batteries.

• Packaging EVs for Transport: Nowadays, lithium and lithium-ion batteries are designed with some safety measures to help reduce risks, however, it is still crucial to properly package scrap and used EV batteries for transportation. To further mitigate risks, battery-centric transportation teams leverage fire suppression systems, but following packaging instructions is key to adhering to compliance and safety procedures.

• Safe Packaging for Damaged EV Batteries: Damaged EV batteries can have significant thermal risks and deteriorated mechanical integrity. It is more difficult to identify damage to an EV battery due to its position in the vehicle. Automotive scrap experts may identify a damaged battery by burn or scorch marks around connector areas, dents to the outer casing or the outer casing coming apart due to swollen components. Experienced battery recycling companies can work with your team on how to package and transport your damaged batteries while meeting the highest safety standards.

• On-site Disassembly and Management: Experienced disassembly technicians will oversee the management and disassembly process to ensure EV batteries and damaged ones are handled accordingly to all safety and compliance guidelines, and the critical materials are extracted fully to be put back into the supply chain to meet the demand.

The Future

Auto recyclers and battery recycling companies can collaborate to recycle scrap and end-of-life batteries using more sustainable technological advancements to supply the industry with enough battery-grade materials to manufacture new batteries.

There is an enormous opportunity today to build a domestically sourced supply chain that will positively impact generations to come. There is a large focus today on securing critical minerals domestically. All facets of the supply chain – from automotive OEMs to automotive recyclers and battery recycling facilities – can work together to create a closed loop supply chain that integrates the recycling of these materials to secure these critical minerals and meet the projected demands.

¹https://www.automotivedive.com/news/evs-reach-86-percent-global-vehicle-sales-2030/695319/

²https://www.iea.org/news/the-worlds-electric-car-fleet-continues-to-grow-strongly-with-2024-sales-set-to-reach-17-million

Cirba Solutions is a leader in battery recycling materials and management, creating a closed-loop business model to support the growing EV industry to help OEMs, cell manufacturers and battery material producers plan for this demand to support the growth and sustainability aspects throughout the battery lifecycle.

With more than 30 years of battery recycling experience, Cirba Solutions has the largest operational footprint in North America, with coast-to-coast facilities in: