The batteries found in electric cars are often brought up as a weak point. We're not just talking about range anxiety here. Its often pointed out that mining and using these batteries aren't great for the environment. While we're not going to get into that debate right now, it's good that OEMs are taking a look at the impact of their car's batteries.
Tesla confirmed via its 2021 Impact Report that it has significantly increased its battery recycling capabilities. That means cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are just a little bit greener. Maybe you can consume your way into environmental wellbeing after all. Jokes aside, it is genuinely good news.
Initially, things weren't always this way for Tesla. Instead, it worked with third-party recyclers up until it was able to get its own program going. Now, it is. In 2021, Tesla says it managed to recover 92% of battery cell material via its new recycling processes. Apparently, Tesla also managed to recycle many of the materials that go into these batteries back in 2020 as well, recycling 1,300 tons of nickel, 80 tons of cobalt, and 400 tons of copper. Not bad.
In 2021, those numbers came up to 1,500, 300, and 200 tons of those metals respectively. We're not sure why the amount of recovered copper decreased- frankly, it could be just about anything. By the end of 2021, that new capacity was very clear to see, says Tesla. It recycled 50 tons of material a week last year.
Tesla is also expecting to see some older batteries start returning to the factory. It may not feel like it, but the Tesla Model S is now a ten-year-old car. As a result, Tesla says it expects to see those batteries making their trip to the charger in the sky soon. Of course, Tesla plans to recycle those as well.
Thankfully, Tesla says "none of our scrapped lithium-ion batteries go to landfills, and 100% are recycled." The brand is currently implementing a "circular economy" and says the continued recycling and reuse of battery material will play an important role in not only stabilizing supply lines but ensuring the company is as green as it says it is.