One of the biggest problems associated with hybrid and electric cars today is what to do with their batteries. They are an element that cannot be discarded as is, since some of its materials are highly polluting. That is why almost all manufacturers have specific plans to reuse them. Now it is Honda who tells us about its recycling of batteries, since it is increasingly betting on hybrid and electric vehicles.
There are currently hybrid versions of models like the Honda CR-V or the new Jazz that is coming. But there is also the Honda e in the electrical section and in the coming years two more models with a GM platform will arrive. That is why the Japanese brand becomes aware and partners with SNAM (Société Nouvelle d’Affinage des Métaux), a French firm that will help you give a second life to your vehicle batteries.
Honda and SNAM have been collaborating since 2013 so that batteries are disposed of in compliance with the environmental regulations of the European Union at the end of their useful life. However, its agreement is now being expanded and the French company will be responsible for collecting lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries from the entire network of Honda dealers in 22 European countries to analyze their suitability for recycling.
The intention is to allocate them to the storage of renewable energy whenever possible, although in those that are not adequate, only valuable materials will be extracted for proper recycling. In the first case, they are incorporated into other devices for domestic and industrial applications. In the event that the cells are damaged and not suitable for a second life, materials such as cobalt or lithium are extracted using hydrometallurgy techniques to be able to use them again. Other more common materials like copper, metal and plastics are also recycled for various applications.