One of the biggest emerging markets in the world of toll processing and chemical production is the field of rechargeable battery production, especially when it comes to the high-powered units that keep electric vehicles moving.
Most EV batteries currently on the market use lithium-ion technology, which is light, has a high energy density and can be easily recharged without the levels of battery degradation that were a common issue with older forms of rechargeables.
Larger battery capacities, improvements to energy density as well as technologies such as regenerative braking that allow for some of the energy that is lost through stopping to be regained, have increased the range of vehicles before they have to recharge.
However, whilst there is less degradation with modern Li-Ion batteries compared to other technology, it does eventually happen, and this means that over the course of several years, batteries will be able to store less charge and eventually be unusable as a way to drive the electric motor.
This is also the case for other electronics that use Li-Ion, such as mobile phones and laptops. However, the replacement costs for an EV battery unit make the overall life of the battery an exceptionally important factor to consider for its owners.
Most manufacturers have technologies that extend the life as much as possible, such as extra battery storage, cooling and buffering systems, as well as providing extended warranties on the power units themselves, some of which last up to eight years.
Once the battery starts to reach the end of its life, there are a few additional options that will ensure it remains worthwhile, such as a storage battery for an environmentally friendly power storage system such as solar panels or a wind turbine.
Manufacturers frequently take part in these schemes, and if the battery cannot be reused at all, then they are instead broken down into raw materials that can be used to make new batteries, ensuring as little of the rare metals are wasted as possible.