Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Bill Approved by California Legislature

Senate Bill 615 requires automotive manufacturers to make certain that their electric vehicle (EV) batteries are ultimately recycled. The bill now moves to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk for his signature.

The following statement is by Dr. Jessica Dunn, a senior analyst specializing in lithium-ion battery sustainability in the Clean Transportation Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists:

"I commend the California Legislature for recognizing the need to plan for the safe recycling of EV batteries so that key materials can be recovered and reused, thereby reducing the amount of mining for critical minerals like lithium needed to fully electrify our transportation system over the next several decades.

"Californians are buying more EVs than ever and we must start planning now for their retirements. A strong recycling policy means batteries will not end up in landfills, but instead provide an excellent domestic source of minerals for the next generation of vehicles.

"Even with diminished capacity, the usefulness of batteries continues. They can be reused or repurposed and then eventually recycled so the materials recovered can be used to manufacture new batteries. To accomplish that, we need public policy to ensure batteries have a second life and don't slip through the cracks.

"With the transition to zero-emission vehicles speeding up, I encourage Gov. Newsom to sign SB 615 so California can plan ahead for its success."

  Resources on battery recycling by Dunn:

Can EV Batteries Be Used Again?

Watt Comes Around Goes Around: Will California Do the Right Thing on EV Batteries?

How Are EV Batteries (Actually) Recycled?

Why Do We Need EV Battery Recycling Policy?

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