NESDC calls for urgent action to manage EV battery waste
While electric vehicles are touted as eco-friendly solution, their batteries pose significant environmental challenge if not handled responsibly
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has called for urgent action in Thailand to manage the impending surge in electric-vehicle (EV) battery waste, particularly lithium batteries, which is projected to reach 7.8 million tons annually by 2040.
While EVs are touted as an eco-friendly solution, their batteries pose a significant environmental challenge if not handled responsibly. Lithium-ion batteries, the primary power source for EVs, contain hazardous materials that can contaminate water and soil if not disposed of properly.
As Thailand strives to become ASEAN's hub for electric-vehicle manufacturing, it has implemented policies aiming for 30% of total vehicle production to be electric by 2030. This ambitious goal is expected to lead to an increase in production capacity, reaching up to 400,000 units per year.
However, this growth poses environmental challenges, particularly concerning the disposal of lithium-ion batteries, which have a lifespan of only eight to 10 years.
In 2020, around 100,000 tons of lithium-ion batteries were discarded, and the NESDC emphasises that without clear regulations for managing EV-battery waste, the risks of water and soil contamination, as well as potential hazards such as fires and explosions, could escalate.
The NESDC's secretary general, Danucha Pichayanan, highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address this issue. Currently, Thailand lacks specific regulations governing the management of EV batteries, relying on existing environmental laws that may not be sufficient to handle the unique challenges posed by battery waste.
To mitigate the risks associated with EV-battery waste, the NESDC has proposed several recommendations:
- Develop Comprehensive Standards: Establish clear and stringent standards for the entire lifecycle of EV batteries, from production to disposal. This includes guidelines for collection, transportation, recycling and disposal.
- Promote Innovation and Technology: Encourage investment in advanced battery-recycling technologies and provide incentives for research and development. This would help to recover valuable materials, such as lithium and cobalt, from discarded batteries.
- Implement a Battery Tracking System: Develop a robust tracking system to monitor the movement of EV batteries throughout their lifecycle. This would enable better management and recycling efforts.
By taking proactive measures to address the impending EV battery-waste crisis, Thailand can ensure a sustainable future for its electric-vehicle industry and protect the environment.
