With the worldwide surge in electric vehicles, attention is increasingly turning to the crucial question of their eventual end-of-life management.
With around seven million electric cars on European roads alone, and over 12 million plug-in hybrids.
With such growing numbers, it’s natural to assume some of those have reached the end of their use. The key question is: what happens to old electric car batteries?
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are large, heavy components that necessitate specialised disposal once they are no longer viable. Read on as we explore the available options.
How long do electric car batteries last?
First of all, let’s explore more about electric car batteries. Just how long do they last?
Electric car technology is relatively new, so just how long these huge batteries last is up for debate. Some estimates suggest around ten years, with some extending as far as 20 years. Other claims, particularly those from car makers, suggest your EV battery should be swapped every 160,934 kilometres (100,000 miles).
Electric car batteries certainly deteriorate over time, but there are some things you can do to mitigate the severity of this. Most manufacturers recommend charging between 20% and 80% of your EV’s full capacity to keep your battery healthy.
Electric car batteries, like those in phones and laptops, gradually degrade but are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle.
Significantly, the battery cells are expected to maintain at least 70% of their original capacity even after covering 321,869 kilometres (200,000 miles) - a distance rarely achieved by most cars, electric or otherwise.
For instance, several Tesla Model S taxis operating at Gatwick airport demonstrated exceptional longevity, each surpassing 482,803 kilometres (300,000 miles) in three years while retaining a minimum of 82% battery health.
Recycling electric car batteries
One way to dispose of old electric car batteries is through recycling. However, this is a highly skilled, labour-intensive and often expensive process.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) in the United Kingdom, there are two main methods of recycling an EV battery.
One involves a pyrometallurgical process, which involves breaking batteries up into smaller pieces and incinerating them. This produces a “black mass”, the SMMT says, from which precious metals and minerals can be extracted.
It’s followed by a hydrometallurgical process, which dissolves materials into a liquid state using acid, meaning further minerals can be extracted. These important metals often include nickel, lithium and cobalt, which could be reused in a new battery further down the line.
The SMMT says this highly labour-intensive process has many challenges, including a lack of standardisation between car manufacturers, meaning every car brand’s battery differs in chemistry.
Recycling electric car batteries for certain materials is becoming increasingly important. According to an International Environmental Association report from 2024, recycling certain metals from batteries could reduce new mining by as much as 40%.
Repurposing electric car batteries
Electric car batteries can be disposed of using other methods. One of them is repurposing.
Even though a car maker might suggest your battery should be swapped, they’re often useful and retain significant capacity for other purposes.
Some electric car batteries are reused for clean energy storage, as seen in the solar power industry. Electric car batteries can be used to store energy in times when the wind isn’t blowing through turbines, or the sun isn’t impacting solar as efficiently as usual, therefore receiving a new lease of life.
How do I dispose of my old EV battery?
If you own an electric car with a dead battery, there are a few directions you can take to dispose of it.
Some car makers, including Ford, have their own battery recycling programmes, so you should approach your dealer for further information or support. Some car makers might offer to replace your battery free of charge.
Other garages are required by law to dispose of EV batteries safely and carefully in some countries.
How long do Tesla batteries last?
Tesla's battery life is impressive, with the company stating they can last between 482,803 (300,000) and 804,672 (500,000) km (miles). For a Tesla Model 3 Long Range, which has a 701 (436) km (mile) WLTP range, this translates to 700 to 1,500 battery charge cycles.
Our own experience and numerous other examples demonstrate that Tesla batteries maintain their crucial capacity over time. For instance, a four-year-old used Tesla Model 3 on our fleet, having covered around 64,374 (40,000) km (miles), showed only 2% battery degradation. This strongly suggests that Tesla batteries are capable of lasting for a very long time.
Electric car battery warranties
Concerns about the premature and costly failure of electric car batteries are a known deterrent for potential buyers, a fact manufacturers are acutely aware of. However, in reality, most modern lithium-ion batteries, when properly maintained, are expected to last the car's entire lifespan.
Despite this, most companies offer an extended and separate warranty specifically for the battery in their EVs. While the standard car warranty is typically around three years or 96,560 km (60,000 miles), the battery warranty offers greater coverage.
For example, manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Nissan, and Renault guarantee their battery cells for eight years or 160,934 km (100,000 miles). Hyundai extends the mileage limit further to 201,168 km (125,000 miles).
Tesla also offers an eight-year warranty but with variable mileage limits: 241,401 km (150,000 miles) for the Model S and Model X, 193,121 km (120,000 miles) for the Model 3 Long Range, and 160,934 km (100,000 miles) for all other versions.
A key provision in most battery warranties (excluding Audi and Tesla) is a maximum allowable degradation. If the battery's capacity drops below a specified percentage (usually between 70% and 75%) during the warranty period, it qualifies for a replacement.
