Retired EV Batteries
Handling and Recycling
"ezbatteries" is a dedicated recycling platform for retired EV batteries. We offer comprehensive solutions for proper collection and recycling. Our goal is to facilitate collaboration among EV suppliers, EV owners, Vehicle maintenance workshops, Vehicle scrapping companies, EV battery collectors, EV battery recyclers and Second life application companies for EV battery. Together, we ensure the responsible collection and processing of retired EV batteries.
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Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders
These roles and responsibilities are designed to ensure the active participation of Government, EV suppliers, EV owners, Vehicle maintenance workshops, Vehicle scrapping companies, EV battery collectors, EV battery recyclers and Second life application companies for EV batteries in the proper care, disposal, and recycling of retired EV batteries. The program's primary objective is to foster sustainability and environmental responsibility within the EV industry in Hong Kong.
About EV Batteries
As of the end of December 2023, the total number of electric vehicles in Hong Kong reached 76,395, accounting for approximately 8.3% of the total vehicle population. Currently, most electric vehicles in Hong Kong are relatively new, resulting in a relatively small quantity of retired electric vehicle batteries. However, with the implementation of the "Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles" announced by the government in March 2021, which aims to cease new registration of private vehicles with internal combustion engines, including hybrid vehicles, by 2035 or earlier, the number of electric vehicles is expected to gradually increase. Consequently, the quantity of retired electric vehicle batteries will also gradually rise.
| 電動車電池中的金屬原材料 | 銅、鋁、鎳、鋰、鈷 |
More information about EV Batteries
1
Average Lifespan
- Approximately 8 to 15 years
- The lifespan of a battery depends on its usage and maintenance.
2
Charge-Discharge Cycle Count
- Approximately 2000 cycles
- The capacity of a lithium-ion battery significantly decreases after around 2000 charge-discharge cycles.
3
Maintenance Period
- 8 to 10 years or specific mileage
- The maintenance period for batteries depends on the terms provided by the electric vehicle manufacturer/supplier.
4
Maintenance Period
- Average weight ranges from 100 to over 600 kilograms
- The weight of electric vehicle batteries varies depending on the brand and model.
Processing of Retired EV Batteries
1
Collection of Retired EV Batteries
Electric vehicle owners can hand over their retired EV batteries to EV dealers or garage for proper disposal. Currently, most EV dealers offer free collection and processing services for batteries during the maintenance period.
2
Safe Disassembly of Batteries
Retired EV batteries still pose safety concerns due to high voltage. Only trained technicians with specialized training should be responsible for disassembling them. Before dismantling the retired batteries, they must be isolated from the vehicle's electrical system to ensure they are in an electro-discharged state.
3
Transportation and Storage of Batteries
The generation, storage, transportation, and disposal of retired EV batteries are regulated by the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Chapter 354) and its subsidiary legislation, the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation (Chapter 354C). EV dealers and garages are required to engage registered chemical waste collectors approved by the Environmental Protection Department to transport the retired batteries to registered licensed disposal facilities approved by the Environmental Protection Department.
4
Disposal of Retired EV Batteries
Once received by the licensed disposal facilities, the batteries are discharged to a safe level. Based on the health condition of the electric vehicle batteries, they are recycled and properly disposed of. Currently, retired electric vehicle batteries undergo initial processing, including sorting, discharging, insulation, and packaging, before being exported to licensed disposal facilities elsewhere for recycling.
Recycling and Second Life Application of Retired EV Batteries
Second life application helps extend the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries and creates market value for retired batteries in the future.
Battery Recycling
Retired electric vehicle batteries, although no longer suitable for vehicle use, still contain valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Recycling helps recover and reuse these materials, which can be processed to produce new batteries, reducing the need for mining and its environmental impact.
Second Life Application
Retired electric vehicle batteries, with typically 70% to 80% of their battery capacity remaining, can be repurposed for other applications such as storing renewable energy. Second life application contributes to extending the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries and creates market value for retired batteries in the future.
Grid Support
Retired electric vehicle batteries can assist in stabilizing the power supply grid. They can provide additional power during periods of high demand and store surplus energy during periods of low demand.
Emergency Backup Power
Retired electric vehicle batteries can be integrated into energy storage systems for residential and commercial use. They can provide basic power during power outages, ensuring the stability and operation of critical systems.
Portable Power Source
Smaller retired electric vehicle batteries can be used as portable power sources for camping, outdoor activities, or as backup power in remote areas.
Advantages of Switching to Electric Vehicles
Switching to electric vehicles offers numerous benefits for individuals and the environment.
Environmental Benefits
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping combat climate change. They also contribute to improving urban air quality, ultimately promoting a healthier environment.
Cost Savings
The maintenance costs of EVs are lower compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles. Electricity is typically cheaper than gasoline, and EVs have fewer components, resulting in reduced maintenance expenses.
Energy Efficiency
EVs can convert over 85% of electrical energy into wheel power, while internal combustion engines typically operate at around 20% efficiency, leading to reduced fuel consumption.
Charging Convenience
Vehicle owners can conveniently charge their EVs at home using standard power outlets or install faster chargers. This eliminates the need for frequent visits to gas stations.
Long-Term Sustainability
EVs can be charged using electricity generated from clean and renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydro energy, further reducing their carbon footprint.
回收基金-「易收鋰」計劃促進處理及回收電動車退役電池
隨著政府於2021年3月公布的《香港電動車普及化路線圖》，已訂下2035年或以前停止新登記燃油私家車和混合動力私家車，因此電動車的數量開始陸續上升，而退役電池亦會慢慢地增加。
邁向綠色未來 革新香港電動車退役電池回收
隨著電動車在香港的普及，電動車退役電池問題正逐漸成為社會關注的重點。由回收基金資助、中國香港汽車會主導的「回收基金 - 易收鋰」計劃，自2022年12月啟動以來，成功建立了一個為電動車退役電池回收而設的平台。