As China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) revolution accelerates, a new challenge—and opportunity—has emerged: what to do with 580,000 tonnes of retired lithium batteries? 🌍 By 2024, this number could hit 800,000 tonnes, sparking urgent questions about sustainability. Here’s how the world’s largest EV market is turning this mountain of batteries into a goldmine. 🔋
Under China’s national standards, EV batteries dip below 80% capacity must be recycled. But these giants (weighing up to hundreds of kilograms!) aren’t just bulky—they’re packed with chemicals like lithium hexafluorophosphate. If mishandled, experts warn these compounds can release toxins like hydrogen fluoride, threatening air and water quality. 🌱
But wait—there’s a silver lining! Retired batteries still hold massive value, and China’s recycling industry is cashing in with two key strategies:
🔋 Cascade Utilization: Repurposing batteries for energy storage (think solar farms or backup power).
💎 Material Recovery: Extracting cobalt, nickel, and lithium to build brand-new batteries.
Zhang Ying of the China Association for Economic Development in Asia notes the country now has 15,000+ recycling centers, covering 85% of the NEV market. 📈 In 2023 alone, over 7.56 million vehicles were scrapped, with 93 million household appliances recycled—a sign of a booming green economy.
With the battery recycling market projected to hit $12 billion by 2030, China’s strategy isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s a blueprint for a circular future. 🚀
