多方合力解决好动力电池“身后事”

Core Insights - In the first five months of this year, China's new energy vehicle (NEV) sales reached 5.608 million units, marking a 44% year-on-year increase, indicating a sustained growth momentum [1] - By the end of 2024, the total number of NEVs in China is expected to reach 31.4 million, leading to a significant increase in the number of retired power batteries as they approach their warranty period [1] - The total amount of retired power batteries in China is projected to exceed 1 million tons this year, with an estimated 3.5 million tons by 2030, creating a substantial recycling market potentially worth over 100 billion yuan by 2030 [1] Battery Recycling Methods - There are three main methods for handling retired power batteries: remanufacturing, battery repurposing, and recycling [1] - Remanufacturing involves replacing damaged components and reassembling the battery for use in electric vehicles [1] - Battery repurposing entails adjusting the battery's calibration data for use in low-speed electric vehicles or other applications [1] - Recycling focuses on extracting valuable metals and materials from the batteries for resale or reintegration into battery production [1] Industry Challenges - Despite the theoretical feasibility of battery recycling, practical implementation and achieving industrial value remain challenging [2] - As of June this year, only 148 out of 195,000 battery recycling-related companies in China meet the regulatory standards set by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology [2] - The current standardized recycling rate for power batteries in China is below 25%, with many retired batteries either remaining with owners or entering informal channels [2] Market Dynamics - The battery recycling market is profit-driven, with high technical requirements for dismantling retired batteries [3] - The significant cost of establishing automated dismantling lines makes it difficult for legitimate recycling companies to operate profitably without a sufficient volume of low-cost batteries [3] - The existence of various online battery recycling channels offering higher prices than formal channels leads to a black market for retired batteries, posing environmental risks [3] Environmental Concerns - Improper handling of retired batteries can lead to severe environmental pollution, as heavy metals like cobalt, nickel, and lithium can contaminate groundwater [3] - A ton of waste batteries can pollute up to 600,000 liters of groundwater, with the potential for long-lasting environmental damage [3] - The presence of informal recycling operations can exacerbate the situation, driving up costs for legitimate companies and perpetuating a cycle of black market expansion [3] Recommendations for Industry Development - The development of a robust battery recycling ecosystem requires collaboration across multiple sectors and improved regulatory frameworks [4] - Policies should be refined to encourage participation in battery recycling through financial incentives and the establishment of a reasonable recycling mechanism [4] - Standards for battery technology should be established to facilitate the production of standardized batteries, laying the groundwork for large-scale integration in the future [4] - Accelerating the establishment of a management standard system for battery recycling is essential to ensure effective tracking, product management, and regulatory compliance [4]