During the week Honda announced, cynics would say yet again, that it had made a major rare earth elements recycling breakthrough, and will start recycling REEs from nickel-metal hydride batteries, on a mass-production basis from the end of the month. An underwhelmed Phys.org report commented dryly “The press announcement carries a simple diagram of the recycling flow between dealers and factory, but with few details about how the process actually works.”
I’m not quite so underwhelmed. Recycling doesn’t always make financial sense, and in this case the economics may be questionable too, but Honda’s dealers have to collect the batteries anyway, and something has to be done with them once collected. Trying to recycle the REEs in short supply and open to the supply whim of China, makes logical sense, even if there might be very little profit in it for all involved.
In Japan’s case there’s a further complication. Since the nuclear disaster at Fukushima-Daiichi, all of Japans nuclear power plants are closed down, with brownouts expected during the peak coming summer season just like last year. Nuclear power previously supplied about 30% of Japan’s electricity, and replacing it isn’t possible in the short term. The government has just authorised two nuclear power plants to restart, but they now face the daunting task of getting approval from the local prefectures. The Japanese public is now almost 100% against restarting any reactors.
This REE recycling effort makes more sense anywhere outside of Japan, but Honda has to go with the cards it was dealt. In the overall scheme of REE demand, this one effort at recycling is unlikely to make much of a difference. On the other hand though, the experienced gained will be useful ahead for the days when exotic battery disposal moves from a novelty to become a necessity. It will be interesting to follow how this unfolds over the coming year.
Honda will recycle rare-earth metals from batteries
April 19, 2012 by Nancy Owan
(Phys.org) — Honda Motor Co. this week made news with its announcement of a recycling breakthrough. The car maker, which manufactures hybrid vehicles, will start recycling rare-earth metals from the nickel-metal hydride batteries of its used hybrid cars on a mass-production basis.
Honda says its process move is a world-first–in that its decision does not merely involve a research experiment but rather a process that will be done on a mass production basis at a central recycling plant. The recycling will start very soon; Honda says the work is to begin at the end of this month. The process allows for the recovery of more than 80 percent of the rare-earth metals used in the nickel-metal hydride batteries. The process involves extractions coming from used batteries from Honda hybrids at Honda dealers inside and outside Japan.
The technology is a result of the company’s collaboration with Japan Metals & Chemicals (JMC), a company based in Tokyo. The press announcement carries a simple diagram of the recycling flow between dealers and factory, but with few details about how the process actually works.
How Does REEs and Recycling Play a Role in Electric Vehicles Beating Honda?
The rise of electric car dominance in the automotive industry has led to an increased demand for rare earth elements (REEs) due to their use in electric vehicle technology. Recycling efforts for REEs are crucial in ensuring sustainable production, as they play a significant role in the shift towards electric vehicles beating Honda in the market.
How Can Recycling Help in Obtaining Non-Chinese Rare Earth Elements (REEs) Quickly?
Recycling plays a key role in addressing the urgent need for REEs. By recycling electronic devices and other products containing rare earth elements, we can minimize our reliance on Chinese exports and quickly obtain the REEs needed for various industries, thus mitigating supply chain issues and promoting sustainability.
How Can Honda And REEs Contribute to Recycling LED Lighting Systems to Help Eliminate Hospital Superbugs?
Honda and REEs can contribute to recycling innovative LED lighting systems by implementing sustainable practices and ensuring that used LED lighting components are properly disposed of and reused. This process can help eliminate hospital superbugs by reducing waste and promoting a cleaner and more hygienic environment.
What are the environmental benefits of Honda, REEs, and recycling compared to Vestas and Siemens wind turbines?
When it comes to the comparison of wind turbines, Honda’s use of rare earth elements (REEs) in their wind turbine motors offers environmental benefits by reducing the overall environmental impact. Additionally, the recycling initiatives from both Honda, Vestas, and Siemens further contribute to the reduction of environmental waste.
What is SAAB’s approach to electric vehicles and sustainability compared to Honda, REEs, and recycling?
SAAB’s electric saab comeback focuses on sustainable innovation, with a commitment to reducing carbon footprint and promoting environmental responsibility. In comparison, Honda and REEs also emphasize sustainable practices, while recycling plays a crucial role in all three companies’ efforts to promote eco-friendly solutions for electric vehicles.