Discarded electric car batteries are creating a huge mountain of waste that could spark a pollution crisis, scientists have warned.
Electric cars are hailed as one of the key technologies in the fight against climate change, but a new study claims that recycling technology is struggling to keep pace.
This is leading to thousands of tonnes of unprocessed battery pack waste building up – and potentially leaching dangerous chemicals into the environment.
In the report, scientists from the University of Birmingham urge governments and industry to ‘act now to develop a robust recycling plan that can meet future needs’.
Dr Gavin Harper, study author, said that without a major recycling technology development, the million electric cars sold in 2017 will produce 250,000 tonnes of unprocessed battery pack waste in their lifetime.
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