So there are a lot of great things about an electric bike which are pretty well known. There is a lot of searchable information and forums that discuss different types of bikes, batteries, and what the best fit for each rider is. One of the lesser known research topics for new riders is what to do when you've outlasted your e-bike.
In this article by the Guardian they tackle the question of how to deal with lithium batteries when they run out as the use of electric vehicles rises. According to sources, British and French governments have pledged to outlaw the sale of petrol- and diesel-powered cars by 2040, and carmaker Volvo has talked about only selling electric or hybrid vehicles from 2019. While we can't foretell if these predictions will come to light; it's a good idea to start dealing with future problems before they overwhelm us.
There are ways of extending your batteries life and making sure it's well taken care of, but once it dies you can't just throw it out with the regular trash. Environmentally, that would be a terrible cost, considering the growing number of new e-bike owners. Not only do the batteries carry a risk of giving off toxic gases if damaged, but many of the core ingredients, including lithium and cobalt, are finite, and extraction can lead to water pollution and depletion among other environmental consequences. The environmental concern includes all Electric Vehicles, from bikes to cars, and is something all responsible motorists need to consider.
With responsible battery care taken care of, eventually, it will reach the end of its lifespan. The question of how to recycle will come up. A quick Google search for lithium battery disposals can provide some excellent information for local area businesses that provide this service. One of the biggest, most reputable battery recycling companies, Call2Recycle and enter your zip code, or if you prefer to locate a place by phone, dial 1-877-2-RECYCLE to find the nearest retailer that collects lithium-ion batteries. Before dropping off your batteries make sure that they collect batteries at that location and if they have require anything else beforehand. Some retailers that will accept batteries are Target, RadioShack, Staples, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Sears, AT&T and Verizon Wireless.
Tech giant Apple recently openly committed to a plan for using only recycled metal and rare minerals and earth. In its latest Environmental Responsibility Report, Apple aims to stop digging up new resources, which are finite and rare to begin with. The Report points to a future where Apple commits to a closed-loop manufacturing system using only material from recycled electronics, but how it plans to get there is still unknown. Apple plans on relying on old Apple products for aluminum; as for tin, it plans on using other general sources.
With Apple planning on embarking on a recycle/reuse program on a grand scale; it most likely will prompt other tech giants like Samsung and Microsoft to follow suit. We can expect to see a more sophisticated and widespread recycling industry that exceeds the current small business industry.
When your lithium batteries eventually finish their lifespan, try to source a local recycling center specifically designed for larger batteries. Contacting recycling companies and battery manufacturing companies will ensure that they can help; not every location has the capacity to reuse. Otherwise, hold on to your old batteries until you can find a good, reliable company that will allow you to mail it in or bring it personally. Never throw your battery away, there are better and environmentally responsible options.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/sustain...s-big-battery-waste-problem-lithium-recycling
https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-dispose-of-lithium-ion-batteries
In this article by the Guardian they tackle the question of how to deal with lithium batteries when they run out as the use of electric vehicles rises. According to sources, British and French governments have pledged to outlaw the sale of petrol- and diesel-powered cars by 2040, and carmaker Volvo has talked about only selling electric or hybrid vehicles from 2019. While we can't foretell if these predictions will come to light; it's a good idea to start dealing with future problems before they overwhelm us.
There are ways of extending your batteries life and making sure it's well taken care of, but once it dies you can't just throw it out with the regular trash. Environmentally, that would be a terrible cost, considering the growing number of new e-bike owners. Not only do the batteries carry a risk of giving off toxic gases if damaged, but many of the core ingredients, including lithium and cobalt, are finite, and extraction can lead to water pollution and depletion among other environmental consequences. The environmental concern includes all Electric Vehicles, from bikes to cars, and is something all responsible motorists need to consider.
Here are 5 tips for prolonging the life of e-bike lithium-ion Battery.
Tip 1. Slowly increase the speed when you need to speed up during cycling. If Not, Dash Current will damage e-bike battery.
Tip 2. Try to prevent quick acceleration or speed up.
Tip 3. Charge the battery often, don't allow the battery to stay low power for a long time.
Tip 4. Charge the battery for >12 hours before first use. charging time(Hour) = Capacity of battery/ the current of charger. Such as, 36V 10Ah eBike Battery is charged by 42V 2A Charger, so it needs 10/2= 5 Hours to reach full power.
Tip 5. Use the original charger of e-bike battery. There are lots of varieties among all e-bike batteries, so the charger is matched according to the features of each e-bike battery. Not using the original charger may cause over-heating and may shorten the life cycle of the electric bike battery *
The good news about lithium-ion batteries is that it's a booming market, and battery technology may advance to include less environmentally hazardous materials.
With responsible battery care taken care of, eventually, it will reach the end of its lifespan. The question of how to recycle will come up. A quick Google search for lithium battery disposals can provide some excellent information for local area businesses that provide this service. One of the biggest, most reputable battery recycling companies, Call2Recycle and enter your zip code, or if you prefer to locate a place by phone, dial 1-877-2-RECYCLE to find the nearest retailer that collects lithium-ion batteries. Before dropping off your batteries make sure that they collect batteries at that location and if they have require anything else beforehand. Some retailers that will accept batteries are Target, RadioShack, Staples, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Sears, AT&T and Verizon Wireless.
Tech giant Apple recently openly committed to a plan for using only recycled metal and rare minerals and earth. In its latest Environmental Responsibility Report, Apple aims to stop digging up new resources, which are finite and rare to begin with. The Report points to a future where Apple commits to a closed-loop manufacturing system using only material from recycled electronics, but how it plans to get there is still unknown. Apple plans on relying on old Apple products for aluminum; as for tin, it plans on using other general sources.
With Apple planning on embarking on a recycle/reuse program on a grand scale; it most likely will prompt other tech giants like Samsung and Microsoft to follow suit. We can expect to see a more sophisticated and widespread recycling industry that exceeds the current small business industry.
When your lithium batteries eventually finish their lifespan, try to source a local recycling center specifically designed for larger batteries. Contacting recycling companies and battery manufacturing companies will ensure that they can help; not every location has the capacity to reuse. Otherwise, hold on to your old batteries until you can find a good, reliable company that will allow you to mail it in or bring it personally. Never throw your battery away, there are better and environmentally responsible options.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/sustain...s-big-battery-waste-problem-lithium-recycling
https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-dispose-of-lithium-ion-batteries
