Commentary: EVs and hybrid transmissions introduce new economic opportunities for auto recyclers
In recent years, the automotive recycling industry has faced a paradigm shift with the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs). This transformation has brought forth fresh challenges and introduced new recycling streams, altering the way end-of-life vehicles are managed.
Rare earth elements: A new treasure mine
Beyond their battery materials, EVs and hybrid vehicles introduce another set of valuable, recyclable metals: rare earth elements (REEs).
Rare earth elements are a group of 15 metals, notably neodymium and praseodymium, which make up the permanent magnets in electric motors.
REEs are essential to the motors found in hybrid transmissions and the drive motors of EVs, which are powerful yet small and lightweight—accelerating the performance and efficiency of vehicles.
By recycling EV motors and hybrid transmissions, auto recyclers can unlock new value streams and benefit from the growing demand for REEs.
Read the full article on Recycling Today.
