Introduction

With an objective to boost clean and sustainable transportation in India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, has unveiled an initiative known as EV30@30. The objective of this campaign is to reach the following electric vehicle adoption targets by 2030: 30% for newly registered private cars, 40% for buses, 70% for commercial vehicles, and 80% for two-wheelers and three-wheelers.

The lithium battery market in India is forecasted to register a CAGR of 17.21%. The market worth in 2020 was USD 1.66 billion, and the expectations for the year 2026 are USD 4.14 billion. The target of the Government of India is to achieve 30% EV sales by 2030 across all modes. (Source) India’s activeness towards the adoption of electric vehicles is driving the lithium battery market in India.

According to a report by Bain & Co, around 12-13 million new 2-wheeler EVs and 1 million new 4-wheeler passenger vehicles will be sold in India annually by 2030. 

This growth underscores the importance of lithium batteries in India’s EV revolution.

As India steers towards a 30% EV adoption rate, the demand for lithium-ion batteries is escalating, requiring responsible disposal of used batteries. (Source)

Battery disposal and waste management

Safe disposal of lithium batteries is imperative to avoid hazardous incidents and should be done in supervision of the authorised battery recycling experts Proper handling of EV batteries compliant with industry standards are essential. Failing to use appropriate and compliant packaging norms can lead to severe consequences, including fines, legal repercussions, and other damages.

Giving batteries a second life

Used EV batteries which reach the ‘end of their life’ can be given a "second life" because they still retain a significant portion of their capacity. Instead of being discarded, these batteries can be repurposed for various applications, opening a world of possibilities for sustainable energy solutions.

Battery waste management rules 2022

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) introduced Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules in 2001, subsequently amended in 2010. The Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR) 2022, introduced by the MoEFCC marks a significant stride towards India's compliance efforts as regards battery recycling.

As per the BWMR 2022, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates producers or manufacturers to take responsibility for their product's entire lifecycle, including end-of-life disposal. For battery waste, this entails collection, recycling, and safe disposal by producers or importers.

Benefits of EPR compliant recycling

EPR compliance for battery waste yields manifold benefits. It safeguards the environment, conserves resource, enhances brand reputation, and can lead to cost savings. Some of the benefits of recycling batteries and giving them a second life are:

Powering homes and businesses

One of the most promising avenues for second-life EV batteries is stationary energy storage. When integrated into home or business energy storage systems, they can become invaluable assets for storing excess energy from renewable sources like solar panels. This stored energy can then be used during high demand or when renewable energy generation is low, providing a reliable and sustainable power source.

Enabling off-grid solutions

Second-life EV batteries can be deployed in off-grid or remote locations where access to a reliable power grid remains a challenge, providing a stable power supply for communities that would otherwise rely on less sustainable alternatives. This application improves the quality of life and empowers economic activities in these regions.

Empowering renewable energy integration

Second-life EV batteries can seamlessly complement this endeavour by providing a cost-effective means of storing excess energy generated from sources like solar and wind. This stored energy can then be fed back into the grid during periods of high demand, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation.

Reducing environmental impact

Extending the lifespan of these batteries through second-life applications lessens the demand for new battery manufacturing and the extraction of raw materials, ultimately conserving valuable resources and reducing environmental impact.

Contributing to a circular economy

Instead of disposing of batteries after their initial use, we can keep them extend their life by keeping them in circulation, reducing waste and conserving resources. This shift towards a more sustainable economic model is essential for long-term environmental stability.