The Canadian EV Battery Recovery Program rolled out in Quebec in 2023, but is now expanding nation-wide. The joint initiative has funding from leading vehicle manufacturers, and supports responsible recycling of these valuable byproducts of renewable transport. Used electric vehicle batteries, suitable for recovery enter repurposing, remanufacturing, or recycling streams depending on their condition.
A Structured Approach to Recovering Spent EV Batteries
EV batteries are far from being scrap, when they no longer have sufficient capacity to power electric vehicles. However, they still retain up to 80% of their original charge, and are able to store renewable energy.
Some of these batteries may require replacement of a number of their battery packs or cells. Even the most worn-out ones still contain valuable minerals for recovery, such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium. Modern recycling methods can retrieve these materials, and forward them to battery manufacturing plants.
The Canadian EV Battery Recovery Program coordinates the efforts of electric vehicle dismantlers, recyclers, shredders, independent garages, independent dealers, fleet operators, and individual EV owners too. The program hence offers a credible solution, for reprocessing the mounting stockpile of used electrical vehicle batteries.
Fair Enough But How Does This Work In Canada?
Canadian electric vehicle manufacturers have procedures for recovering batteries under warranty, subject to recall, or ready for remanufacturing. The Canadian recycling industry is able to remove EV batteries, resell them, repair them, or recycle them.
The following steps coordinate efforts by these industries:
- The battery owner confirms that the motor industry installed, or replaced the EV battery. They fully own the battery which is no longer in the vehicle. It has not been modified, and there are no claims pending.
- An EV battery shipper notes the details of the vehicle, and the battery dimensions and weight. They identify the battery type, its serial number / part number, and whether it is end-of-life, or defective.
The shipper then identifies a suitable service provider, having accreditation with the Canadian EV Battery Recovery Program. The shipper liaises with this provider, and then delivers the battery to them for further attention.
More Information
From Imported Rare Earth to Recovered Asset
Recovering and Recycling EV Batteries
