The Potential of Used Electric Car Batteries: Recycling and Reuse

e baterie a často se raději rozhodnou pro jejich výměnu. Smartville proto vyvinul speciální software, který dokáže přesně určit stav baterie a posoudit, zda je ještě použitelná. Tímto způsobem se snižuje množství odpadu a zároveň se šetří náklady na výměnu baterií.

Budoucnost je v recyklaci

Recyklace baterií je klíčová pro udržitelnost elektromobility. Podle Mezinárodní agentury pro obnovitelnou energii (IRENA) by do roku 2050 mohlo být vyřazeno až 11 milionů tun baterií z elektromobilů. Tyto baterie obsahují vzácné kovy, jako je lithium, kobalt nebo nikl, které je možné znovu využít. Recyklace těchto kovů je ekonomicky výhodná a zároveň snižuje závislost na dovozu těchto surovin z jiných zemí.

Společnosti po celém světě se proto zaměřují na vývoj technologií a postupů pro efektivní recyklaci baterií. Například v Německu byla otevřena první továrna na recyklaci lithiových baterií, která dokáže získat až 95 % vzácných kovů z použitých baterií. Podobné továrny se plánují i v dalších zemích, včetně České republiky.

Recyklace baterií je tedy klíčovým krokem pro udržitelnost elektromobility. Díky správnému přístupu k nabíjení a využití baterií mohou elektromobily sloužit po mnoho let a po vyřazení z provozu mohou být baterie dále využity v jiných aplikacích. Společnosti se zaměřují na recyklaci a znovupoužití baterií, což snižuje množství odpadu a zároveň zajišťuje zásobování vzácnými kovy pro budoucí výrobu baterií. Recyklace baterií je tedy klíčovým prvkem pro udržitelnou a ekologickou elektromobilitu.

The Slow Degradation of Electric Vehicle Batteries: A New Challenge for Automakers

As the majority of automakers transition to electric vehicles (EVs) on certain markets, there is a growing demand for batteries. However, this shift towards electromobility also raises concerns about the fate of used EV batteries. When this massive transition to EVs began a few years ago, it was estimated that after about eight to ten years, the capacity of EV batteries would decrease by approximately 20-30 percent. This was expected to lead to EV owners replacing their vehicles within this timeframe. However, it turns out that this assumption was incorrect.

If an EV is used correctly, the battery degradation after ten years is only a few percentage points. The rate of degradation depends on various factors, but proper charging and overall vehicle usage can significantly slow down battery degradation. One approach is to treat the EV battery like a mobile phone battery, avoiding charging it to 100% or discharging it to 0%.

While the long lifespan of EV batteries is good news for EV owners, companies specializing in battery recycling or reuse are now facing a challenge. They are finding it difficult to obtain used EV batteries to work with. Even those who do replace their EVs after a few years are discovering that used EVs sell relatively well. However, this does not mean that there are no clear procedures for further utilizing EV batteries.

Both automakers and companies focused on recycling and the circular economy are giving EV batteries a second life. Mercedes-Benz and Nissan, for example, are working with “used” EV batteries. In the Czech Republic, ČEZ, in collaboration with Škoda Auto, is also utilizing used EV batteries. For instance, five batteries from a fully electric Enyaq iV can create a new large battery system capable of supplying energy to up to 40 households daily.

The key takeaway is that just because a battery has reached the end of its life in a vehicle does not mean it should be discarded. According to David Pavlíček, the spokesperson for the Czech representation of Hyundai, the current practice assumes that the capacity of EV batteries should not drop below 90% even after 10 years of use and 250,000 kilometers. If the battery is no longer suitable for vehicle operation, it still has sufficient capacity to be used elsewhere.

“For another 10 years, it can serve, for example, in battery farms that balance fluctuations in energy supply from wind farms, replace diesel generators, or store solar energy in households,” explained Pavlíček. Eventually, 97% of the rare metals in the battery are recycled and reused, a process that Hyundai internally manages within the group.

Insurance companies are also gradually learning to work with seemingly discarded batteries. American startup Smartville discovered that insurance companies often write off batteries that could still be in good condition. They struggle to assess the extent of damage or degradation to the battery. Smartville claims to have encountered cases where an insurance company deemed a vehicle a total loss after an accident, even though the battery had nearly 100% capacity.

As the EV market continues to grow, finding sustainable solutions for used batteries will become increasingly important. Automakers, recycling companies, and insurance companies must adapt their practices to ensure the efficient and environmentally friendly utilization of EV batteries.

How does repurposing used EV batteries for energy storage systems help extend their lifespan and reduce the need for new battery production?

Mple, have partnered to create energy storage systems using used EV batteries. These systems can be used for home energy storage or integrated into the electrical grid. This not only extends the lifespan of the batteries but also reduces the need for new battery production and helps stabilize the electrical grid.

Another approach is to repurpose EV batteries for other applications, such as stationary energy storage for renewable energy systems or even powering off-grid locations. This allows for the continued use of the battery’s capacity and reduces the need for new battery production.

In addition, advancements in battery management software and technology are helping to enhance the lifespan of EV batteries. Smartville, for example, has developed software that accurately assesses the condition of a battery and determines if it is still usable. This reduces waste and saves costs on battery replacement.

The future of electromobility lies in battery recycling. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), by 2050, up to 11 million tons of batteries could be retired from EVs. These batteries contain valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which can be reused. Recycling these metals not only provides economic benefits but also reduces dependence on importing these materials from other countries.

Companies worldwide are therefore focusing on the development of technologies and processes for efficient battery recycling. For instance, Germany has opened the first lithium battery recycling factory, capable of recovering up to 95% of rare metals from used batteries. Similar facilities are being planned in other countries, including the Czech Republic.

Battery recycling is a crucial step towards sustainable electromobility. With the right approach to charging and utilization, EVs can serve for many years, and their batteries can be repurposed in other applications after retirement. Companies are prioritizing battery recycling and reuse, reducing waste and ensuring the supply of rare metals for future battery production. Battery recycling is, therefore, a key element of sustainable and environmentally-friendly electromobility.