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Project title

Electric Loops: A study into the reuse of electric vehicle component parts

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

ELV Environmental Services CLG

Lead Applicant

Elena Wrelton

Project Abstract

The Electric Loops project proposal will use a case study approach to develop a matrix of reuse and recycling values for electric vehicle component parts. The resulting matrix will provide information to the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) recycling sector to enable economic operators within it to establish new business models for the circular reuse and recycling of the parts from electric vehicles. The data collected will also inform policy makers about the make-up and economics of recycling electric ELVs at a time when the national vehicle fleet is electrifying (now 8.24% of all new car sales) and new EU Regulations on Batteries and on ELVs is expected. From initial research online and discussion with international bodies, there has been no detailed study done, except for a commercial study in France, on dismantling an electric vehicle to assess its potential for parts to be reused and recycled. Currently, ELVs with internal combustion engines have a monetary value. ELVs are accepted at ATFs for treatment. They are first put through a process of depollution where hazardous materials such as batteries, fuels and oils are removed, component parts are then removed and sold for reuse, before the ELV body is further separated for recycling. The value gained from component parts reused and recycled sustains the industry, offsets the costs associated with the depollution stage, and underpins its circular economy. The economics that maintain the system are well understood. With the introduction of electric cars, this will change, as will the value contained when they are scrapped. There is a lack of knowledge amongst ATFs, recyclers (metal & plastic reprocessors), and policy makers on how to reuse and recycle component parts from electric vehicles. There is a need to build knowledge about how reuse and recycling for these vehicles will be different from their petrol and diesel equivalents. The proposed project will use a combination of desktop and practical research to create the matrix. Following desk research and consultation, a list of electric vehicle components will be created and the factors to be measured will be confirmed. An electric vehicle is then dismantled, and details of the parts removed recorded. The parts from the dismantled electric ELV are then put on the open market for sale. The results of putting the parts on the market supported by the part data gathered, will provide real world information on the opportunities to establish reuse, remanufacturing and recycling value markets. The project will work with a focus group of Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs or permitted scrapyards) and vehicle manufacturers to ensure the research meets the needs of the vehicle recycling industry and results are validated based on real world experience. The matrix will be published alongside reports targeted at the vehicle recycling industry and at Irish and EU policy makers. The project findings will also be disseminated via a range of channels, including an ATF workshop, postal mail out to all ATFs, and the electric and hybrid vehicle handling training already provided through the Electric ELVES programme.

Grant Approved

�46,615.50

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/02/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/11/2024