Adoption and uptake of electric vehicle in Kenya is on an increasing trend, with the government policies and tax incentives supporting the market growth. The Global Electric Vehicle Outlook 2024 puts Kenya among the top countries in EV adoption, with the data projecting a steady rise in the EV sales over the year. The increase in uptake of EVs, is a stride towards reduction of our country’s carbon footprint from the transport sector, and a step towards achieving our updated National Determined Contributions of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030.
The trend in increase in EV use is a reflection of increase bulk battery waste, highly likely to present an issue in future. Battery lifespan for mobility application run between 10 to 15 years, presenting market players an opportunity to tap into the battery waste management market.
Electric vehicles primary use Lithium-ion batteries containing valuable materials such as lithium, nickel cobalt, and manganese, which when extracted can be put in to good secondary use. Despite this, these batteries also contain hazardous materials that when improperly handled can pose risks to the environment and human health.
Since the end of life, batteries are at 70% capacity and can hold and discharge electricity for another 7 to 15 years, making them have a range of disposal options from reuse, recycling or recovery. To mitigate the environmental impact of EV battery wastes, some of the strategies that can be deployed include;
i. Recycling and Reuse:
Through mechanical and chemical process, the valuable components and metals in the lithium-ion batteries recycled and reused in other products or new batteries. In some cases, batteries with degraded performance can be repurposed for stationary energy storage applications, such as grid stabilization or off-grid power systems. Second life use of these batteries presents a solid solution to provision of energy access and storage for critical infrastructure and remote areas.
ii. Improved Battery Design:
In accordance with a circular economy concept, it is essential that batteries, EVs and their components are designed in a way that allows for reuse, safe recycling, and minimal disposal. Measures such as standardization of formats and structure, proper labelling and classification of the components and material used, and a design which allows simple disassembly of components are very key. The proposed concept of battery passports will support recyclers with information on composition and battery cell structures and packages.
iii. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
EPR is defined as an environmental policy approach where a producer’s responsibility for a product is extended to the post-consumer stage of a product’s life cycle. This concept is based several concepts including, the ‘polluter pays’ principle aiming to avoid environmental externalities in the product lifecycle as well as to shift the financial and/or organizational responsibility for treatment and disposal from the municipality to the producer. EPR is also connected to the shared responsibility concept where all actors in the value chain are called upon to participate to optimize the EPR schemes effect. Through this, producers and market players, through partnerships can set up collection systems, recycling facilities, and financial obligations to ensure end-life management of the batteries.
iv. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks:
Standardization of battery manufacturing, collection, recycling and disposal is also key in ensuring proper management of battery wastes. Governments and regulatory bodies are developing policies and regulations to ensure safe and sustainable management of EV battery waste. Through the ministry of Environment and National Environmental Management Authority, Kenya has developed the National E-waste management strategy and E-waste management guidelines. This have supported management and handling of few components of the lithium-ion batteries.
The management of EV battery waste is a critical issue that requires careful consideration and proactive measures. By implementing effective recycling strategies, promoting EPR programs, and investing in research and development, we can ensure that the transition to electric vehicles is both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
Reference:
IEA. (2024). Global EV Outlook 2024 – Analysis. IEA. https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook 2024
Mossali, E., Picone, N., Gentilini, L., Rodrìguez, O., Pérez, J. M., & Colledani, M. (2020). Lithium-ion batteries towards circular economy: A literature review of opportunities and issues of recycling treatments. Journal of environmental management, 264, 110500.
Prates, L., Karthe, D., Zhang, L., Wang, L., O’Connor, J., Lee, H., & Dornack, C. (2023). Sustainability for all? The challenges of predicting and managing the potential risks of end-of-life electric vehicles and their batteries in the Global South. Environmental Earth Sciences, 82(6), 143.
Siemens Stiftung. (2021). Environmental Impact of E-Mobility in the Lake Victoria Region, Western Kenya.https://eedadvisory.cdn.prismic.io