The surge in adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China is not only transforming the automotive landscape but also presenting new challenges in battery management. Last year alone, over 580,000 tonnes of lithium batteries were retired, with projections indicating this number could climb to 800,000 tonnes next year.
As NEV usage skyrockets, the question of handling these retired batteries becomes increasingly crucial. According to China's national standards, lithium batteries that drop below 80 percent of their rated capacity are deemed unsuitable for continued use in electric vehicles and must undergo recycling by certified enterprises.
Expert insights highlight the environmental risks associated with improper disposal. Retired electric car batteries, which can weigh several hundred kilograms, contain lithium hexafluorophosphate. When these batteries are exposed to air during scrapping, harmful substances like phosphorus pentafluoride and hydrogen fluoride can be released, posing significant environmental hazards.
Despite these challenges, retired lithium batteries still hold substantial value. China employs two primary recycling methods: cascade utilization and material recovery. Cascade utilization repurposes batteries for applications with lower energy density needs, such as energy storage systems. On the other hand, material recovery focuses on extracting valuable metals like cobalt, nickel, and lithium to be reused in new battery production.
The growth of China's NEV market has fueled a rapid expansion in the battery recycling sector. Zhang Ying, president of the Automotive Recycling Industry Development Committee of the China Association for Economic Development in Asia, shared with China Media Group that there are now more than 15,000 recycling outlets nationwide. These facilities cover over 85 percent of the NEV market, ensuring efficient management of retired batteries.
In 2023, the China Resources Recycling Association reported a significant increase in recycling activities, with a net increase of 7.56 million vehicle scraps—a 32 percent year-on-year rise. Additionally, the standard recycling and utilization of used household appliances reached approximately 93 million units, weighing around 4.4 million tonnes. The recycling of major renewable resources, including scrap steel, non-ferrous metals, and waste plastics, totaled about 392 million tonnes, underscoring the vital role of recycling in supporting national resource security.
As China continues to lead in the NEV sector, its proactive measures in battery recycling not only address environmental concerns but also promote sustainability and resource efficiency. This comprehensive approach ensures that the growth of electric vehicles contributes positively to both the economy and the environment.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
