Paul Humphreys, managing director at Cox Automotive Mobility (International), explains the role effective battery lifecycle management can play in helping prevent technological obsolescence given the rapid adoption of electric vehicles.

Paul Humphreys, managing director at Cox Automotive Mobility (International)

There is no doubt that EV adoption is growing throughout Europe. According to the SMMT, EVs, including plug-in hybrids, now account for 33% of registrations in the UK compared to 21% in 2021. It is a fast-growing segment brought about by rising sustainability issues but, as manufacturers turn most of their attention to phasing out internal combustion engine technology, there are some interesting questions to address around battery technology, capacity and disposal.

Countering obsolescence

It is no secret that current EV technologies require multiple hardware and software updates, with some manufacturers implementing changes and updates several times a week. While technological advancements and improvements in the practical application of knowledge are fuelling rapid development, they are also accelerating the rate at which EVs can become obsolete. Taking EV batteries as an example, they may be geared up to work in harmony with current technologies now, but can the same be said in five to six years’ time when the hardware and software is even more advanced?

Right now, there may be several unknowns when it comes to the future EV landscape, but there are also emerging opportunities for the vehicle services industry. An example is the development of environmentally conscious EV battery solutions which enable fleet operators to pay closer attention to EV battery performance.

Focusing on entire battery lifecycles is central to achieving greater longevity and, more importantly, helping keep EV batteries out of oceans and landfill sites, thereby giving them a more sustainable footprint.  However, understanding battery lifespans requires more than knowing the mileage of the vehicle – there are other depreciation factors to consider. 

The 4’R’ model

Understanding battery lifecycles and knowing when they require maintenance or repair to maximise efficiency is important not just for remarketing, but for keeping these vehicles in use for as long as possible. But what happens when the battery health score is 1 or below, and the battery is no longer fit for purpose?

Disposing of EV batteries – in particular lithium-ion, is a practice that requires careful consideration. These devices contain valuable metals and other materials that can be recovered, processed, and reused, but very little recycling goes on today, largely due to technical constraints, economic barriers, logistical issues, and regulatory gaps.

The alternative, however, is unthinkable. When diverted to landfill, lithium-ion batteries can leach toxic, corrosive chemicals such as mercury, cadmium, lead and nickel into the soil and water table, which endangers the environment and human health. If EV adoption makes us more sustainable, incorrect disposal negates all our efforts. The sector needs a concerted, joined-up approach to battery lifecycle management if we are to continue to encourage EV adoption throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

We believe strongly in the 4R model for electric battery servicing; repair, remanufacture, refurbish and repurpose. The ability to access batteries at end of life and remanufacture them for new applications is essential to keeping them away from landfill and protecting our natural environment.

Over the past year, we acquired Spiers New Technologies, a move which enables us to provide innovative end-to-end battery solutions to support the electrification of the transportation industry in its emissions reduction goals. We’ve done this because there is a real opportunity to build a global service network focused on management and innovation with the entire EV battery lifecycle. Establishing robust standard around EV battery health inspection and valuation, while also offering complete end-to-end battery services—from storage and logistics to remanufacturing, reuse, and pre-treatment recycling, will be key throughout this journey.

At Cox Automotive Mobility we are just getting started supporting fleets and businesses on the EV sustainability journey. The commitment of Cox Enterprises is to drive positive environmental change through our Cleantech and Cox Conserves initiatives. Our goal is to achieve carbon and water neutrality by 2034 and zero waste to landfill by 2024. As such, we believe in a closed-loop ecosystem for EV batteries to help reduce their environmental impact with more sustainable end-of-life reuse and recovery treatments.