China intends to make manufacturers of electric vehicles (EV) responsible for collecting and recycling spent batteries, as part of its efforts to tackle mounting waste in the sector, according to new rules published on today (26 February).
China aims to become a “dominant global producer” as it bids to curb vehicle emissions, boost energy security and promote high-tech industries.
But with lithium battery production already up by half in 2017 and waste set to hit as much as 170,000 tonnes this year, the government’s aim is to improve its recycling capabilities.
According to reports by Reuters news agency, China’s industry ministry issued “interim” rules that hold EV car makers responsible for the recovery of new energy vehicle batteries and require them to set up recycling channels and service outlets where old batteries can be collected, stored and transferred to specialist recyclers.
The EV car makers must also establish a “maintenance service” network, allowing members of the public to repair or exchange their old batteries conveniently, the ministry said.
Measures aimed at spurring good practice among consumers, including subsidies or battery repurchase pacts, should also be adopted, the notice said.
Together with battery makers and their sales units, carmakers must also set up a “traceability” system enabling the identification of owners of discarded batteries.
The battery makers are also encouraged to adopt standardised and easily dismantled product designs, to help automate the recycling process.
They must also provide technical training for car makers to store and dismantle old batteries.