How are used EV batteries recycled or disposed of?

Recycling and disposal of used EV batteries:

  • Second life applications: Before recycling, many used EV batteries are repurposed for energy storage in homes, buildings, or renewable energy systems.
  • Recycling processes: Specialized facilities recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper through mechanical or chemical methods.
  • Environmental regulations: Most regions require safe handling and disposal to prevent environmental harm and encourage material recovery.
  • Manufacturer programs: Many automakers have take-back or recycling programs to handle end-of-life batteries responsibly.

Proper recycling reduces environmental impact and allows key materials to be reused in new batteries — making EVs more sustainable.