Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in India due to their eco-friendly nature and the government’s push to reduce air pollution and decrease reliance on imported crude oil. With the rise in EV adoption, the need for a robust recycling ecosystem for end-of-life EV batteries has become more crucial than ever.
Lithium ion batteries, which are commonly used in electric vehicles, have an average lifespan of 7-8 years. To extend this lifespan and reduce the environmental impact of battery disposal, recycling is essential. Currently, there are various methods for recycling lithium ion batteries, including hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, direct recycling, and mechanical processes like integrated carbothermal reduction.
In India, 80% of recyclers use hydrometallurgy due to its efficiency in recovering battery materials and lower emissions compared to other methods. Startups are also entering the battery recycling sector, anticipating growth as the first wave of EV batteries reach the end of their lifespan. The top recyclers in India can process anywhere between 2000 – 10,000 tonnes of batteries per year, with plans to scale up operations to handle the projected increase in recycling volumes over the coming decade.
However, India’s current recycling capacity is not enough to handle the expected surge in EV batteries. The country’s policies, such as the Production-Linked Incentive scheme and Battery Waste Management Rules, aim to promote local manufacturing and ensure responsible battery disposal. Yet, there are challenges to overcome, including the dominance of an unorganized recycling sector, fluctuating metal prices, and the need for substantial investments in recycling facilities.
To build a sustainable battery recycling ecosystem, India must strengthen regulations, foster a formal recycling sector, and embrace technological advancements. Collaboration between research and industry can lead to cost-effective recycling technologies, while guidelines for Extended Producer Responsibility and battery design can promote sustainable practices. By working together, stakeholders can tackle India’s battery waste challenge and move towards a circular economy for EV batteries.