The Issue of EVs
A key issue is the residual capacity of these batteries. EV batteries are typically discarded when their capacity drops below 80% of the original, despite still having significant remaining capacity. These batteries, particularly lithium ones, could be repurposed for other uses due to their high energy density. Thus, recycling EV batteries holds substantial economic and social value.
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However, if not recycled, these batteries can cause severe environmental pollution due to the toxic metals they contain, such as cobalt, lithium, and manganese. Improper disposal through landfilling or incineration can lead to heavy metal contamination and the release of harmful gases like carbon monoxide, methane, and nitrogen oxides, impacting soil, water, and overall ecosystem health.
Additionally, the production of EV batteries is environmentally detrimental. Lithium extraction consumes large amounts of water, leading to environmental degradation and water scarcity, while cobalt mining often involves child labor. Both lithium and cobalt are limited resources, making their wastage unsustainable. Recycling could mitigate these issues by preserving these critical materials.
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Despite these concerns, many people are unaware of the potential problems posed by EV batteries. Uninformed disposal of batteries, which still have 80% of their capacity, is common. Proper collection and recycling can establish a sustainable cycle. The team aims to commercialize used EV batteries and implement a return incentive program to ensure these valuable resources are effectively recycled.
Despite the necessity of recycling used EV batteries, this issue remains unresolved mainly for two reasons.:
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First, there is no proper system for the disposal and collection of used EV batteries. Previously, under the Air Quality Conservation Act, batteries had to be returned to local governments when vehicles were decommissioned. However, since a law revision in January 2021, this obligation has been removed, leading to indiscriminate battery disposal. Offering financial incentives to individuals for returning their used batteries could encourage proper collection and raise environmental awareness. Collaborating with local governments, who currently do not have well-established methods for utilizing used batteries, could also increase recycling rates.
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Second, the process of recycling used batteries is complex. It involves breaking down the batteries into powder and chemically treating them to extract metals. While many companies are still in the research phase, significant investments are being made overseas. However, repurposing used EV batteries for simpler applications, such as home chargers, can be relatively straightforward and effective without requiring extensive support or research.
What We Aim To Do
We propose developing chargers for electric wheelchairs and small home appliances using repurposed EV batteries, particularly benefiting low-income households. In 2019, there were about 100,000 electric wheelchair users, mostly from low-income groups, indicating significant demand for affordable charging solutions.
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Battery Collection:
In South Korea, the government manages used battery collection through future resource collection centers established by the Ministry of Environment, which hold an average of over 500 batteries each. These centers measure the remaining capacity and lifespan of the batteries, ensuring their safety and remaining utility before selling them to the private sector. We plan to purchase these used batteries at a low cost and transform them into new products.
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Battery Conversion and Reuse:
Our goal is to develop small appliance chargers based on used EV batteries. While most EV batteries are DC, which can be converted to AC using a converter, allowing them to be repurposed for various uses, such as charging electric wheelchairs. The converters are relatively inexpensive, and the technology for converting DC to AC is well established. This approach has been validated in several experiments and patents.
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Commercialization:
We aim to create a kit combining the battery, charger terminal, and converter into a single product. An example from 2011 demonstrated the viability of using Nissan Leaf batteries as emergency power sources during power outages. With 80% remaining capacity, used EV batteries can power various appliances effectively. Specifically, electric wheelchairs, which have high economic burdens due to battery costs, can greatly benefit from this solution.
Expected Benefits:
1. Social Value Creation: Low-income households, particularly those with severe disabilities, face significant economic and physical burdens due to energy costs. This solution can help alleviate some of these difficulties by providing affordable power for essential appliances.
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2. Environmental Benefits: Recycling batteries can prevent severe environmental pollution caused by the improper disposal of toxic metals like cobalt, lithium, and manganese. Additionally, repurposing batteries helps conserve rare resources and mitigate the negative impacts of battery production.
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3. Economic Benefits: Reusing batteries allows for the recovery of valuable resources, creating economic opportunities. The global battery market is expected to grow significantly, and repurposing used EV batteries can open new markets and drive innovation.
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By implementing these solutions, we can address the growing battery waste problem while providing substantial social, environmental, and economic benefits.