The Automotive Sector: Reuse, Renewal, Disposal and Environmental Impact of Automotive Batteries—An Overview

Abstract

Abstract. Batteries are a key element of electric vehicles, influencing their range and cost. Lithium-ion batteries dominate the market, with a reliability that exceeds 1000 charging cycles. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) use 400 V or 800 V batteries, the latter being more cost-effective for production. After about 10 years, exhausted batteries can be reused (if they retain 70–80% capacity) for energy storage from renewable sources or recycled. Recycling, especially through metallurgical processes, makes it possible to recover all materials, including lithium. This study analyzes reuse and recycling, highlighting critical issues and possible optimizations. Batteries represent “virtual mines” of strategic materials. Re-celling (repair of battery packs) is also explored. Reuse reduces environmental impact, but large-scale dismantling needs to be standardized, favored by market growth and continuous research.