[torpfactory]

These are old talking points from the fossil fuel industry. The batteries themselves will be recycled to recover their valuable minerals. The process will certainly require care to avoid localized pollution. Compare that with burning fossil fuels- baked into their design is emission of heat trapping gasses which systemically affect the entire planet. It’s clear we need to stop burning fossil fuels lest we overheat the earth.

[jazzyjackson]

It is not a given that recycling lithium will be economical, if it’s more expensive than manufacturing new why bother?

[torpfactory]

Worst case scenario we dig up more lithium. I'm convinced the Nickel and Cobalt will be recycled. Lithium is a small percentage of total mass, 1-3%, and is abundant in the earth's crust. Maybe 5-10kg of lithium in a pack. Compare that to 40-80kg of petroleum every time I fill the tank.

[cgyvbunji]

https://www.npr.org/2026/07/13/nx-s1-5847025/ev-battery-recy...