>> Automotive batteries have been demonstrated as >90% recyclable, far better than most materials we consider "recyclable" today such as plastic
> Citation needed
It shouldn't be hard to believe. The components of a battery aren't consumed during operation. An old battery weighs the same as a new battery, and the chemical reactions taking place inside are reversible (because that's how a chemical battery works).
I believe, though, the the previous commenter erred. 90% of _batteries_ are recycled.
According to Wikipedia, lithium battery recycling can see up to 96% recovery rate of material. Lead acid is over 98% of the lead.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_recycling
> However if you travel lots and are heavily use charge stations at super markets et al, then EVs will be much cheaper to run than ICE.
This statement is confusing to me.
In my experience in the US, charging away from home is far more expensive.
Charging at home has added an average of $10/month to our electric bill. Charging at a commercial charger can easily cost $5-$10 _per charge_.
At home I have a 3kw charger, one of the lowest options you can buy. I prefer to take time and keep the battery cool. Heat kills batteries faster.
Your statement about your cost comparison doesn't mention maintenance, which is a significant savings. No oil changes, no rusted exhaust pipes, no spark plugs, etc. Over the life of the car, that's tens of thousands of dollars unspent.
> Citation needed
It shouldn't be hard to believe. The components of a battery aren't consumed during operation. An old battery weighs the same as a new battery, and the chemical reactions taking place inside are reversible (because that's how a chemical battery works).
I believe, though, the the previous commenter erred. 90% of _batteries_ are recycled.
According to Wikipedia, lithium battery recycling can see up to 96% recovery rate of material. Lead acid is over 98% of the lead.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_recycling
> However if you travel lots and are heavily use charge stations at super markets et al, then EVs will be much cheaper to run than ICE.
This statement is confusing to me.
In my experience in the US, charging away from home is far more expensive.
Charging at home has added an average of $10/month to our electric bill. Charging at a commercial charger can easily cost $5-$10 _per charge_.
At home I have a 3kw charger, one of the lowest options you can buy. I prefer to take time and keep the battery cool. Heat kills batteries faster.
Your statement about your cost comparison doesn't mention maintenance, which is a significant savings. No oil changes, no rusted exhaust pipes, no spark plugs, etc. Over the life of the car, that's tens of thousands of dollars unspent.