China has established itself as the largest market for electric vehicles (EVs) globally, serving as a key manufacturing hub for both EVs and their batteries. In 2024, over 70% of global electric car production and more than 50% of global EV sales originated from China. Major companies like CATL and BYD account for nearly half of the worldwide EV battery production, according to the International Energy Agency. These firms have initiated various programs to assist customers in disposing of their old batteries, including take-back schemes with dealerships that offer discounts when old vehicles or batteries are traded in.
BYD has developed its own recycling operations, processing thousands of end-of-life battery packs annually and collaborating with specialized recyclers to recover materials. Geely has implemented a “circular manufacturing” approach that focuses on disassembling scrapped vehicles and enhancing the recovery of metals from power batteries.
CATL, the largest EV manufacturer in China, has established a comprehensive recycling system through its subsidiary Brunp, which features over 240 collection depots and an annual disposal capacity of approximately 270,000 tons of waste batteries. The company reports recovery rates exceeding 99% for key metals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
Despite these advancements, not all EV manufacturers can provide battery recycling support. Over the past five years, more than 400 smaller EV brands and startups have faced bankruptcy, resulting in only about 100 active brands remaining in the market. This trend raises questions about the future of battery disposal and recycling.
Analysts predict an increase in used batteries entering the market as the initial wave of EVs, purchased under substantial subsidies, reaches the end of their lifecycle. Experts like battery engineer Alex Li emphasize the importance of a comprehensive end-of-life system for EV batteries in China, one that can effectively trace, reuse, and recycle batteries on a large scale.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/18/1130148/china-ev-battery-recycle/