Production of batteries involves significant energy consumption, most of which comes from fossil fuels, leading to a substantial carbon footprint that can offset the environmental benefits of driving an EV. After a decade of usage, most of the batteries end up in landfills. To mitigate these issues and break the cycle of environmental degradation, battery recycling becomes a crucial component of the ecosystem, writes Anupam Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO, MiniMines Clean Tech Solutions.
Imagine stepping into a showroom, eager to finally get your hands on your favourite electric vehicle. You’ve been dreaming about this moment, envisioning yourself driving a sleek, eco-friendly car that will contribute to a cleaner environment. But on inquiry of the price, excitement turns to disappointment. The cost is significantly higher than the petrol and diesel cars lined up next to it. It is largely due to the battery pack, which accounts for about 40 percent-50 percent of the electric vehicle’s total cost. For a brief moment, you consider settling for a cheaper, carbon-emitting model. It would be easier on your wallet, after all. But what if I told you there’s a way to make that dream electric vehicle more affordable and even more sustainable?
Hidden Environmental Toll of EV Battery Production
While EVs promise greener transportation with lower emissions, the reality of their production comes with various unseen costs. It relies on lithium-ion batteries which need substantial amounts of rare metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. While reducing tailpipe emissions is a priority, the environmental impact of extracting these metals is significant. Mining for lithium and cobalt often occurs in ecologically sensitive areas, leading to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water contamination. For example, the lithium mining in Atacama Desert, Chile has led to significant water depletion, affecting local communities and greatly reducing flamingo populations. Additionally, every tonne of mined lithium results in 15 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the environment. Moreover, the manufacturing process of batteries is not as clean as it may seem. Production of batteries involves significant energy consumption, most of which comes from fossil fuels, leading to a substantial carbon footprint that can offset the environmental benefits of driving an EV. The worst part is, that after a decade of usage, most of the batteries end up in landfills. Hazardous elements continue to affect the environment by disrupting local ecosystems, harm wildlife, and pose significant health risks to nearby communities.
The Role of Battery Recycling
To mitigate these issues and break the cycle of environmental degradation, battery recycling becomes a crucial component of the ecosystem. It is not a new concept but the demand for high-performance rechargeable batteries has given it a sense of urgency. With the existing technologies, more than 95 percent of valuable metals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, lithium, graphite, and aluminum can be recovered and reused. These constitute around 50-60 percent share of the total battery cost, with cobalt being the most expensive. By recovering valuable metals, we can significantly reduce dependence on imported raw materials, which often come at a high cost and with supply chain vulnerabilities. Recycling these metals significantly reduces the dependency on newly mined raw materials, which not only helps in controlling costs but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with mining. Proper recycling also addresses toxic waste management, preventing hazardous materials from contaminating the environment. By ensuring the safe disposal and recovery of important components, it not only protects public health but also builds consumer confidence in the sustainability of EVs.
Building a Circular Economy
Battery recycling is a key component of the broader concept of a circular economy, which emphasizes the reuse of resources rather than their disposal. In a circular economy, materials and products are kept in use for as long as possible through recycling, refurbishment, and remanufacturing. This approach maximizes resource efficiency and minimizes waste, aligning perfectly with the sustainability goals of electric mobility.
By integrating battery recycling into the lifecycle of electric vehicles, we can extend the value of the resources we extract, reduce environmental harm, and create a more resilient supply chain. Moreover, this practice can catalyze the development of new industries and jobs centered around sustainable practices, ultimately driving economic growth while preserving the planet.
The Road Ahead
The journey towards truly sustainable electric mobility is not without its challenges, but it’s a journey we must take. The choices we make today—how we source, use, and recycle the materials in our EVs—will determine the legacy we leave for future generations. By advancing battery recycling and adopting a circular economy, we are not just enhancing the sustainability of electric mobility—we are redefining what it means to be truly innovative in the 21st century.