THE automotive industry in Malaysia is poised for a remarkable transformation as it embraces lithium-ion batteries (LiBs), heralding a new era of electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainability.
The government is steadfast in its commitment to widespread EV adoption as a linchpin of environmental responsibility and the promotion of a circular economy.
This forward-thinking vision resonates with the tenets of the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030, which underscores the promotion of EVs, fuel-efficient vehicles, exploration of alternative energy sources, and the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
To invigorate the burgeoning EV sector, the government has introduced the ambitious National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020.
This visionary policy aims to establish us as a regional hub for the production and assembly of EV components and parts. Malaysia aspires to lead not only in EV manufacturing but also in fostering widespread EV adoption.
A significant milestone was achieved with the recent launch of MyBAS, an electric bus service in Johor covering the JB-Sentral area. However, as of 2021, the approximately 21,000 registered EVs on our roads fell short of the set target.
Facilitating personal EV adoption in the market further relies on a compelling marketing strategy and the development of product-service systems. Factors like the location, capacity, and design of charging stations are pivotal in this regard.
Many residential and office areas now feature dedicated parking spots equipped with charging services. The largest charging spot is at the Suria KLCC parking area with 47 charging pods.
Nonetheless, the rapid expansion of the EV industry presents a pressing challenge: the responsible disposal of spent LiBs. Proper management of LiBs end-of-life phases is critical to avert potential environmental crises.
Neglected LiBs can leach hazardous chemicals and heavy metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel into the soil and groundwater, endangering nearby living environments and agricultural areas.
Furthermore, certain elements in LiBs, like lithium and nickel are highly valuable and increasingly scarce resources. Consequently, recycling spent LiBs to efficiently recover these elements not only sustains the EV industry but also mitigates its environmental impacts.
The swift expansion of the EV industry presents a pressing challenge concerning electronic waste, particularly the disposal of LiBs. Properly managing the end-of-life phase of LiBs is essential to avert potential environmental crises.
When not disposed of correctly, spent LiBs can potentially release hazardous chemicals and heavy metals into the soil and groundwater. This poses a significant risk to nearby ecosystems, residential areas, and agricultural lands.
It's worth noting that some of the elements within LiBs, such as lithium and nickel, hold considerable value and are prime candidates for reuse.
Given the current limited production capacity of these elements, there is an ongoing debate among scientists and industry stakeholders about whether global Lithium resources can meet the 21st-century demand.
Interestingly, it has come to light that one of the world's largest lithium mines lies within our homes, with these valuable elements found in everyday electronic products like power tools, portable household devices, and entertainment gadgets.
As the EV market evolves, battery producers are increasingly integrating LiBs into various everyday products, enhancing their portability and overall performance.
Thus, recycling spent LiBs to efficiently recover Lithium and other precious elements emerges as a promising endeavor, not only to support the sustainability of the EV industry but also to mitigate its adverse environmental impacts.
An effective product-service system within the automotive industry would redirect spent LiBs from landfills to useful resources, ideally closing the LiBs lifecycle loop. For instance, Tesla owners who service their EVs at authorized centres can return their LiBs for recycling once they reach the end of their useful life.
However, the practicality of achieving this ideal resource circulation system remains a challenge. Currently, Malaysia's automotive market faces visibility issues concerning the ownership and whereabouts of used LiBs, particularly in the second-hand EV market.
This opacity raises concerns about the ultimate fate of EV components. Furthermore, the influx of electric bikes from China and other recreational transport forms without robust service systems further contributes to the accumulation of spent LiBs.
As Malaysia charts its course toward a more sustainable automotive industry, responsible LiBs management emerges as a pivotal aspect of this journey. To improve, a holistic strategy should include specialized battery collection and recycling facilities, as well as public awareness initiatives.
Conversely, there is a critical need for research and development to create more eco-friendly and efficient methods for extracting LiBs' components, coupled with fostering international collaborations.
A robust legal framework is essential to ensure responsible LiBs management while striking a balance between EV adoption and environmental stewardship. Malaysia stands poised to play a pivotal role in the global transition to cleaner, greener transportation alternatives.
The writer is Assistant Professor at the Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times