Honda is now able to recycle materials from hybrid batteries

Honda has developed processes that allow it to recycle the rare-earth minerals from nickel-hydrogen batteries. This is a significant step as the ability to recycle materials from hybrid vehicle batteries will help reduce production costs with the benefit of lowering the overall cost of such vehicles and also address concerns over supplies of the rare-earths. This step will also address some of the criticisms of the environmental factors with regard to hybrid vehicles batteries, due to the previous inability
March 6, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
2288 Honda has developed processes that allow it to recycle the rare-earth minerals from nickel-hydrogen batteries. This is a significant step as the ability to recycle materials from hybrid vehicle batteries will help reduce production costs with the benefit of lowering the overall cost of such vehicles and also address concerns over supplies of the rare-earths. This step will also address some of the criticisms of the environmental factors with regard to hybrid vehicles batteries, due to the previous inability to recycle the rare-earth materials. Honda’s rare-earth material recycling programme is being carried out in partnership with Japan Metals & Chemical and will be based at the latter firm’s Oguni Works plant in Yamagata Prefecture. The process will allow 99% of the collected rare-earth substances to be purified using a combination of acid and heat. The Oguni Works will be able to recycle 80% of rare-earth substances from 1,000 used batteries/month. Honda is planning to increase recycling of hybrid vehicle batteries from Europe and the US, and extend the rare-earth recycling process to permanent magnet components used in the electric motors.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Lowering carbon emissions from cement and concrete production
    October 20, 2020
    Reducing carbon emissions from the energy intensive cement and concrete production sectors will help stop climate change
    Read More
  • Engine innovation for diesels and electrics
    October 2, 2018
    Engine firms continue to develop new power solutions and refine existing technologies - Mike Woof writes There has been strong pressure against internal combustion engines worldwide, with the scandal over the emissions from diesel powered private cars has strengthening opinion against these engines. Diesel engine firms are taking the long view by offering future power options such as alternative fuels and electric systems. The engine builders are also hard at work ensuring that power units for the indust
    Read More
  • New crushing and screening developments abounded at Hillhead
    October 3, 2014
    A wide array of crushing, screening and materials handling technologies have been introduced in recent months - Mike Woof writes The manufacturers of crushing and screening products have been developing an array of new systems to optimise production. The recent Hillhead show in the UK was the launch point for a number of these new products, although firms from all over the world have also been developing new designs. Productivity and wear life are two performance factors seeing major benefits from innovatio
    Read More
  • Onsite asphalt recycling
    December 15, 2020
    Equipment from Ammann has played a key role in renovating a section of the N2 highway in Switzerland
    Read More

Highlighted Content