The Truth About EV Batteries: Disposal, Recyclable & More Sustainable?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in Australia. According to the latest Electric Vehicle Council report, about 10,000 new EVs are expected to hit Australian roads this year. Currently, there are 122 EV models with more than 220 variants, and the number of variants has increased by 50% since 2023.
The growing popularity of EVs won't be possible without accessible charging infrastructure. The number of fast and ultra-fast charging stations across the country has also doubled in just a year. Now, there are more than 1,059 charging locations and 1,849 high-power public chargers in Australia.
Despite their popularity, many people are still unaware of how these vehicles work, especially how EV batteries are maintained and recycled once they reach their end of life. So, let's clear up EV battery myths and discuss safe and effective battery recycling options, considering sustainable disposal.
And speaking of responsible waste disposal, only All Gone Rubbish Removals can help you simplify EV battery disposal. We follow sustainable electronics and battery disposal practices to ensure zero environmental harm.
Are EV Batteries Really Recyclable?
Yes, EV batteries are recyclable. They contain various materials that may be used to make new batteries. An old EV battery may also be repurposed to power appliances and equipment as a stationary battery.
A typical EV battery system weighs around 1,000 lbs and consists of thousands of cylindrical lithium-ion cells, similar to AA batteries in most consumer electronics. About 12 or more batteries are combined with polyethylene foam and stored in a steel case to form a module. Dozens of these modules are combined to create a battery pack.
Due to the complexities of recycling EV batteries and other electronics, Australia created the Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF). This initiative aims to expand the country's ability to sort, process, and recycle materials such as glass, paper, cardboard, tyres, and, very recently, electronics and batteries.
The Australian Government donated $250 million to the RMF to enhance its recycling infrastructure. More than $1 billion of investment is expected in recycling, with possible contributions from various Australian states and territories.
How EV Battery Recycling Works in Australia
The EV Battery Recycling Process
Here's how EV batteries are typically recycled:
1. Pre-processing: The batteries are collected from vehicles and taken to recycling centres. They are disassembled into smaller modules and checked for hazards.
2. Shedding and sorting: The disassembled components pass through a mechanical shredder and are sorted to separate plastics, aluminium, copper, and other materials (lithium, nickel, and cobalt).
3. Recycling: Batteries may be recycled using pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy.
- Pyrometallurgy - This method involves heating the different components at high temperatures. As these melt, the organic elements, such as electrolytes and graphite, are burned off to leave alloys containing copper, nickel, and cobalt.
- Hydrometallurgy - this process dissolves metals in an acid solution (leaching). Graphite is harvested, and other metals are recovered using various methods.
4. Material recovery: Valuable metals are extracted and purified whether pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy is used. These materials are reused to make new batteries and other products.
Latest Australian Recycling Programs
Australia has many programs aimed at boosting battery recycling efforts. One of the latest is from Western Australia, which granted Livium AUD 850 to partially fund the construction of a battery recycling facility in the state. This grant was from WA's electronic waste infrastructure program and promotes the development of a nationwide system that will collect, sort, and store waste.
EV Batteries vs Traditional Car Batteries: Sustainability Comparison
Here's a comparison of EVs and traditional car batteries using factors like lifespan, environmental impact, and recyclability.
Lifespan
EV batteries last longer, with some manufacturers claiming they can last 5,000 cycles or longer. Also, unlike lead-acid batteries, complete discharge does not affect the lifespan of the battery. Regular car batteries have a shorter lifespan, lasting around 300 to 500 cycles.
Environmental impact
Lithium-ion battery production involves mining and processing resources, which leave a significant carbon footprint. Manufacturing lead-acid batteries also has environmental impacts, especially the use of lead, a dangerous heavy metal that poses contamination and risks to health.
Recyclability
Recycling EV batteries is a complex process, but the latest advancements are improving the efficiency of battery recycling. On the other hand, regular lead-acid batteries are easy to recycle, with a significant portion of their components recovered.
Overall, EV batteries are more sustainable and have longer lifespans. Although recycling its components is regarded as complex, efforts are being made to improve these processes, especially in an EV-positioning country such as Australia.
Are EV Batteries More Sustainable Than Gas-Powered Cars?
Harmful Emissions from Gas Vehicles
Gas-powered vehicles emit harmful emissions that are harmful to health and the environment. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas emitted by gas-powered vehicles. CO2 traps heat from the sun in the atmosphere, causing the "greenhouse effect" and climate change.
Motor vehicles produce carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which cause smog, cancer, and heart and lung diseases.
EVs Are More Sustainable
On the other hand, EVs do not emit harmful gases and, thus, do not contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Using EVs can help clear up smog, making the air cleaner and better for everyone.
Also, EV manufacturers provide an 8 to 10-year warranty on batteries and electric motors, which means EVs may last as long as gas-powered vehicles. As EVs age, batteries eventually degrade but may still store significant energy. This is why most EV batteries are converted to stationary batteries to power appliances and equipment in homes and offices.
Although it's still impossible to be completely EV in Australia and many parts of the world, efforts are being made to finally reduce harmful emissions from gas-powered vehicles through carpooling, using public transportation, and practising fuel-efficient driving.
Common Myths About EV Battery Disposal
The following are common EV battery myths:
- EV batteries do not last long
A Tesla Model X EV has travelled more than 640,000 km using its original battery pack. An Australian owner of a Tesla Model 5 uses his EV for airport pickups, thus using fast chargers most of the time. The original battery was finally replaced after 666,666 km. Therefore, it is safe to assume that all EV battery packs will last this long.
- EV batteries will deteriorate over time.
A study by the Electric Authority tracked the electric vehicle transition and focused on the deterioration of 21 models' battery capacity over five years. Results showed that EV batteries lose just 2.3% of their capacity per year. Also, Recurrent Auto revealed that battery degradation happens in the first 80,000 km. A study by Electric Autonomy revealed that an average EV with a 480 km range still covers 336 km between battery changes. Also, the study pointed out that battery degradation does not occur until the car's 13th birthday.
- Replacement batteries are expensive.
Indeed, replacement EV batteries are expensive, but the good news is that the costs are decreasing. EV batteries do not have a standard price, but the cost of replacing one can range from $8,000 to $20,000. According to financial analysts, the price is expected to drastically drop in the future.
How to Responsibly Dispose of EV Batteries in Australia
Batteries must be taken to a collection site for proper disposal. Do not throw it in bins with common household trash as these contain hazardous chemicals such as mercury and lithium, which can pollute the environment and are considered fire risks.
When disposed of correctly, 95% of EV battery components may be recycled to make new products. Remember the following:
- Small household batteries must be taken to a Community Recycling Centre or B-cycle drop-off points. Accepted batteries are AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, 6V, and button batteries, as well as removable, device, and power tool batteries.
- Larger batteries for e-bikes, scooters, and car batteries or over 5 kilograms must be dropped off at a Household Chemical CleanOut event or Community Recycling Centre.
- Lithium-ion batteries in phones, power banks, toys, and appliances should be removed from the product, and terminals should be taped using non-conductive tape. These must be taken to a Community Recycling Centre, Household Chemical CleanOut event, or Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, IGA, or Bunnings.
You may skip the worries of taking your EV batteries to these recycling points by using a licensed disposal company like All Gone Rubbish Removals. We can help you prepare EV batteries and dispose of them properly to avoid environmental harm and ensure disposal regulations are followed.
Why Choose All Gone Rubbish Removals for EV Battery Disposal
All Gone Rubbish Removals offers professional EV battery disposal, ensuring safe removal and compliance with environmental and council regulations.
We are committed to eco-friendly rubbish removal practices, removing rubbish and transporting it safely to designated recycling points. Our rubbish removal team is experienced with all types of trash, including electronic waste, which is mostly carelessly thrown away and left on the curb. Our eco-friendly practices ensure a clean home and office environment and adherence to local regulations.
We partner with recycling centres and organisations that aim to make homes and businesses clean and safe. Contact us if you have questions or to book our professional EV battery disposal today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do EV batteries typically last?
EV batteries last longer, with some manufacturers claiming that these can last for 5,000 cycles or longer.
2. Are EV battery recycling services available across Australia?
Yes, EV battery recycling and processing services are available across many cities in Australia.
3. What percentage of an EV battery can be recycled?
When disposed of correctly, 95% of EV battery components may be recycled to make new products.
4. Is recycling EV batteries expensive?
Recycling EV batteries is expensive in Australia, and currently, the process is handled by manufacturers. The cost is expected to decrease as recycling technology advances and more EV batteries become available.
5. Can EV batteries be repurposed?
Yes, EV batteries may be repurposed as stationary batteries to power appliances or equipment in homes or businesses.
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