End-of-life hybrid batteries new focus

‘‘Our focus is to devise a sustainable longterm solution.’’

Toyota NZ

Toyota New Zealand has said it wants to ramp up its focus on electrified vehicle battery recycling, specifically those coming into the country via used hybrids from Japan.

Two of the three most popular used imports on the market are Toyotas: the Aqua and the Prius.

Both are particularly popular among rideshare operators, meaning they tend to accumulate high mileage – making them more susceptible to battery wear and tear.

Toyota’s sustainability report for 2022 addresses used hybrids, detailing how the company plans to provide battery recycling support for them, even though it isn’t necessarily responsible for used imports.

‘‘The recent increase in imported new and used hybrid electric Toyotas is bringing new challenges to our business, and we are committed to finding better solutions for their repair and repurpose, with responsible recycling for all parts possible.

‘‘Although Toyota New Zealand may not have been the importer of many of the used hybrid electric vehicles entering New Zealand, we believe we have a social responsibility for the final disposal or recycling of hybrid batteries from all Toyotas.’’

The company adds that it processed almost 500 end-of-life hybrid batteries last year.

The number of batteries that go through its processing programme is expected to continue to rise.

‘‘This year Toyota New Zealand has strengthened its end-of-life hybrid batteries process, with greater transparency and reporting. The number of batteries returned from dismantlers, and the associated costs, rose significantly in 2022 with 486 hybrid batteries recycled.

‘‘We expect the growth in used batteries will continue and we are actively looking to develop repair and repurpose solutions as a better option before recycling. Our focus is to devise a sustainable long-term solution for the collection and recycling of Toyota and Lexus hybrid (NiMH) and lithium ion batteries. Our goal is to have local solutions to repair, repurpose and recycle batteries.

‘‘We continue to work in support of the New Zealand Government’s product stewardship goals and the work undertaken by the Battery Industry Group.’’

Toyota is among several carmakers keen to establish some form of ‘‘circular economy’’ thinking in its electrified vehicle production process – where rare materials in end-of-life batteries are recycled and used in the production of new ones.

‘‘This is a big challenge for our industry and one that needs everyone to work together to solve,’’ it says.

‘‘We are at the start of this journey and look forward to continuing to drive towards our goal of being 100% circular by 2050.’’