Modern hybrid cars use lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries. 

The type of battery used in a hybrid car really depends on the make and model. For instance, if you’re driving a plug-in hybrid like the Toyota Prius Prime or Chevrolet Volt, chances are you’re benefiting from a large li-ion battery pack under the hood. Why? Li-ion batteries have a higher energy density compared to NiMH batteries, which means they can store more electrical energy in a smaller, lighter package. 

This allows plug-in hybrids to go further on electric power before the gasoline engine has to kick in to recharge the battery or help drive the car.

On the other hand, some hybrids, especially older models, rely on NiMH batteries. These batteries may not be as energy-dense, but they’re tough, reliable, and get the job done when it comes to powering the electric motor. They’ve been around longer, and for many hybrid cars, they’re still a solid choice.

Why Do Hybrid Cars Use These Battery Types?

Hybrid cars are all about efficiency, and these battery types—whether lithium-ion or nickel-metal-hydride—help maximise fuel economy. By storing and releasing electrical energy when needed, hybrid batteries allow the car to seamlessly switch between gasoline and electric power. This reduces fuel consumption and makes hybrids incredibly fuel efficient.

A key reason hybrids use these specific battery types is because of regenerative braking. When you brake, the car captures that wasted energy and uses it to recharge the battery, boosting your efficiency even more. It’s like magic—except it’s all science! High-voltage batteries are essential for this process, as they can store the electrical energy needed to keep things running without relying solely on gasoline.

In addition to improving efficiency, both li-ion and NiMH batteries are durable enough to handle the frequent charging and discharging cycles that come with hybrid driving. This means that while the battery may seem to be working hard in the background, it’s built to last.

How Do I Dispose Of Hybrid Vehicle Batteries?

One thing that often gets overlooked is what happens when these batteries reach the end of their life. And yes, they do eventually run out of juice—though they last longer than many people think. So, how long do hybrid batteries last? Well, it can vary depending on the make, model, and how the vehicle is driven, but many hybrid batteries are built to last anywhere from 8 to 15 years.

When the time comes to replace that trusty hybrid battery, don’t just throw it in your general rubbish. Hybrid batteries are recyclable, and that’s where we come in. If you’ve got an old li-ion from your hybrid or electric vehicle, we can collect and recycle it responsibly. 

By recycling, you’re helping ensure that valuable materials are recovered and reused, and you’re keeping toxic chemicals out of landfills. Plus, it means fewer resources are needed to produce new batteries, making the entire process a little bit greener.

Remember, these batteries are high-voltage powerhouses, so handling and disposing of them properly is crucial. Always recycle through certified programs to make sure you’re doing your part in maintaining a sustainable cycle of battery production and disposal.

The lithium-ion battery is used across the globe to power a range of products including electric vehicles, solar energy storage systems, e bikes and various small and large appliances. 

As we see the rising demand for lithium ion batteries, our team has explored some key statistics relating to their growth, environmental impact, and capacity. 

6 Lithium Ion Battery Statistics For 2024

The vast majority of lithium-ion batteries—about 77% of the world’s supply—are manufactured in China

Let’s start with the big one—China. It’s no secret that China is a manufacturing giant, but did you know that it produces a whopping 77% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries? That’s right, more than three-quarters of the global supply comes from the country.

Whether it’s batteries for electric vehicles or solar panels, the Chinese lithium-ion battery industry is cranking out power cells at an unmatched pace.

For manufacturing the Tesla Model 3, holding an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery, CO2 emissions would range between 2400 kg (almost two and a half metric tons) and 16,000 kg (16 metric tons).

To build a Tesla Model 3, which houses an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery, the CO2 emissions can range anywhere from 2,400 kg to 16,000 kg. That’s up to 16 metric tons of carbon emissions just to produce one of these beauties! Sure, the emissions from driving electric cars are a fraction of traditional vehicles, but the battery production process still packs a punch.

The global lithium-ion battery market size was estimated at USD 54.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3% from 2024 to 2030.

Now, let’s talk about money—specifically, the global lithium-ion battery market. In 2023, the market size was pegged at USD 54.4 billion, and get this—it’s expected to grow at a mind-boggling 20.3% annual rate through 2030. 

That’s a pretty solid growth curve, driven by the surge in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and energy storage needs. In short, we’re just getting started, folks.

Asia-Pacific dominated the lithium-ion battery market with a market share of 48.45% in 2023.

The Asia-Pacific region is leading the charge (pun intended) when it comes to dominating the lithium-ion battery market. 

In 2023, the region held an impressive 48.45% market share. With countries like China and South Korea ramping up production, and Australia mining more lithium than ever, the Asia-Pacific is holding down the fort as the centre of battery production.

In 2023, Australia was the world leader in terms of lithium mine production, with an estimated output of 86,000 metric tons. 

Speaking of mining, Australia is absolutely crushing it when it comes to lithium production. In 2023, they were the global leader, mining an estimated 86,000 metric tons of lithium. That’s a whole lot of lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) just waiting to be turned into high-energy-density batteries. 

With the United States and other nations pushing for more clean energy, you can bet that demand for Australian lithium will keep climbing. 

Approximately 15 tonnes of CO2 are emitted for every tonne of lithium extracted.

But here’s the kicker—lithium extraction has its own environmental toll. For every tonne of lithium extracted, about 15 tonnes of CO2 are emitted into the atmosphere. 

That’s not great news for our carbon footprint, especially considering the rising demand for li-ion batteries in passenger cars and other applications. 

It’s a tough balancing act—meeting the growing need for clean energy while minimising the impact of extracting the raw materials that make it possible.

Dispose Of Lithium-Ion Batteries Safely

In a world where we’re constantly searching for better energy sources and ways to harness renewable energy, lithium-ion batteries are the key to unlocking a sustainable future. Their battery chemistry—whether it’s oxide NCA or lithium iron phosphate LFP—allows us to store and use energy more efficiently. As the world transitions to more electric passenger cars and clean energy systems, the importance of lithium-ion batteries can’t be overstated.

If you are a business based in the UK looking for sustainable solutions, we are here to help. Our team is trained to safely handle lithium batteries, ensuring they are transported to licensed treatment and recycling facilities. Here, the materials can be recycled effectively into new products, diverting waste from causing harm to both human health and the environment.

The main difference between plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) lies in their power sources, drivetrain technology, and how they generate and use energy. 

Both technologies offer a pathway toward greener transportation, but they differ significantly in their approach to energy use and driving range.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles Vs Battery Electric Vehicles

Power Source

PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle):

• Has both a battery and a gasoline engine.
• The vehicle can run on electricity stored in its battery, but when the battery depletes, it switches to the internal combustion engine (ICE), which runs on gasoline.

BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle):

• Powered entirely by electricity.
• It has no gasoline engine, and all of its propulsion comes from a large battery that powers an electric motor.

Charging

PHEV:

• Can be charged by plugging into an external power source (like a charging station) to recharge the battery.
• However, it doesn’t rely solely on electric charging since it has a gasoline engine for backup, offering flexibility in fueling.

BEV:

• Must be charged via an external electric charging station or home charger since it only runs on electricity.
• Requires frequent charging, depending on the vehicle’s range and usage.

Driving Range

PHEV:

• Typically has a shorter all-electric range (usually between 20–50 miles or 32–80 km) before the gasoline engine kicks in.
• After the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine extends the range significantly, similar to traditional gas cars.

BEV:

• Has a longer all-electric range (typically between 150–400 miles or 240–640 km, depending on the model).
• Once the battery runs out, the car must be recharged, as it has no other backup fuel source.

The Environmental Benefits Of PHEVs and BEVs

When it comes to environmental benefits, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) both have their own eco-friendly charm. However, they get there in slightly different ways—kind of like two siblings trying to outdo each other at being “the responsible one.”

Let’s start with PHEVs, the middle ground vehicle that’s trying to have it all. They offer a nifty solution for those of us who aren’t quite ready to commit to full electric life but want to make a solid effort toward reducing our carbon footprint. 

When you drive a PHEV, you can feel pretty smug about the fact that you’re running on pure electric power for your shorter trips—errands, daily commutes, and grocery store runs. 

During these moments, you’re producing no emissions, and that feels pretty good. Then, when the battery runs low, the gasoline engine kicks in. Sure, it’s not as green as sticking to electricity the whole time, but it’s still significantly more efficient than a traditional car. The best part? If you’re on a long road trip, you won’t have to nervously eyeball the battery level while trying to figure out how far away the next charging station is—there’s gasoline as backup, making it a win-win.

Now, BEVs, on the other hand, run completely on electricity, meaning you can wave goodbye to tailpipe emissions altogether. 

If you’re driving a BEV, you’re not burning any gasoline, which means you’re not contributing to air pollution. Picture yourself gliding silently through town in your sleek electric car, knowing that you’re doing your part to cut down on smog and harmful greenhouse gases. It’s like giving the environment a big, clean energy hug every time you get behind the wheel.

We Recycle Lithium Batteries From Vehicles

At Lithium Cycle, we specialise in recycling lithium batteries from electric vehicles. This helps businesses maintain their green credentials each mile they take. Our team is passionate about ensuring battery waste is recycled into new products, pushing for a circular approach whilst minimising harm to the planet. If you generate battery waste and are looking for a sustainable solution, simply get in touch with our team today.

Batteries have become a crucial part of modern life, powering everything from smartphones to electric cars. This incredible journey began over two centuries ago, and today we are continually innovating with advanced lithium-ion technology and battery recycling. 

Let’s delve into the fascinating history of the battery, beginning with its earliest form.

Alessandro Volta & The First Battery In 1800

The first battery was invented in 1800 by the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. This was the first voltaic cell, where he learned further that the voltage would increase when voltaic cells were stacked on top of each other.

Volta’s breakthrough came from his discovery that certain fluids could generate a continuous flow of electrical power when used with two different metals. 

His voltaic pile consisted of pairs of copper and zinc discs, stacked alternately with pieces of cloth soaked in saltwater. 

This arrangement created a continuous electrical current, revolutionising the field of electricity. Volta also observed that stacking more cells in series would increase the voltage, a foundational concept that still holds in modern battery technology.