Probably wise not to get too high on recycling these batteries as they are not designed to be recyclable. And let's face it, if these things were going to last then recycling them wouldn't be so much of an issue. That tells me they don't last. They aren't proven and I strongly suspect they won't stand the test of time. We also know that efficient and well functioning recycling industries aren't an easy thing to implement. They still can't even do it properly with plastic. Obviously you or I or the man walking his dog can say this is going to happen and that is going to happen in so many years. But that doesn't mean anything. Especially as these things have been said for quite a while now.
And just remember:
The range is not the range! Cold weather can reduce battery performance by up to 50%.
The range is not the range! Battery is recommended to operate between 20% and 80% to avoid problems. That's 60% of capacity....and throw in some cold weather!?
The running costs are not the running costs! Obviously. See above.
Battery drains constantly, even when not in use.
Constant charging duty when you return home. Don't forget to plug in!
Used EVs, did the first owner look after the battery. Probably not if they were on PCP. They were paying to drive it not look after it! Tough luck who gets the battery next!
That's the thing, they won't need recycling not for performance as we know the batteries are good for 500k miles and may only lose 10% capacity in that time. But people may choose to recycle them due to the mineral value, being put to better use in even better batteries. Them 4 oil rigs over Seaton Carew way were not designed to be recyclable, but they're currently being recycled, can say the same for the Tuxedo Royale.
Won't stand the test of time? They already have. The tesla roadster (in 2006) was made up of 7 thousand lithium ion batteries. Rechargeable batteries are in almost everything we rely one, and have been for decades, and can be charges thousands of times. The battery protection measures on these cars is better than any other rechargeable device any of us own. They've got better, not worse, and will get better still.
And just remember:
The quoted WLTP range for my car is 240 miles, and I've done 250, with some to spare.
Cold? 50%? I couldn't get it down to 50% if I tried, and believe me, I've tried as I nail it everywhere. The lowest I've possibly got to is 180 miles, which was in winter, driving at speeds I shouldn't have been, with regen off.
Good job 99% of driving is between 20% and 80% then, even in the cold. I've not had mnie charged over 80% more than once in 6 months, and it's not been below 20% since the first month I owned it.
The running costs for EV is much less, as pointed out countless times, with numerous calculations (and real world proof). My 400BHP SUV is the most economical (fuel cost v miles) car I've had.
Battery drains, when not in use, was there even any point in mentioning that? Your car battery drains when not in use, you then use fuel/ energy to top that back up. I've never noticed that in my EV, but had a flat battery on my ICE cars plenty of times.
Charging duty? Who tops up your car at the petrol station? You know, when you're stood next to it for 5 minutes in the cold each time?
I'm on PCP, I look after my battery, although in reality it won't make much difference, as most cars now have more battery than the car lets you use, and the last part is topped up slowly.
