Tesla Claims It Can Now Recycle 92 Percent of Raw Materials from Batteries

We don't know the actual number of batteries being recycled.Recycling batteriesTesla, an electric car manufacturer, claims it can recycle as much as 92 percent of the raw materials that go into its batteries. This claim is based on a 2020 Impact Report that Tesla's factories have already started to implement.This could have a significant impact on the environment when building electric vehicle battery packs. The process is very energy-intensive and Tesla's current battery pack requires cobalt. This rare metal has been associated with questionable mining practices in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other countries.Long-TermTesla did not release specific numbers on how many batteries it recycled last year.According to company figures, 1,300 tonnes of nickel, 400 tonnes of copper and 80 tons cobalt were recovered from Tesla batteries packs in 2020.AdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to the report, a Tesla battery pack is built to last longer than the car itself. This is why Tesla consumer batteries, even those from nearly nine-year-old Model S cars, have not been retired.Post-ConsumerAccording to InsideEVs Tesla has been involved in the process for over two years. However, Tesla has not disclosed any details.According to the report, the small amount of post-consumer battery we receive is primarily generated by our road fleet, mainly taxi-like vehicles.It was also mentioned that the Model S is only nine years old and it won't be long before we receive larger quantities of batteries back.AdvertisementAdvertisementTesla is keen to produce its own nickel, cobalt and copper from recycled batteries. It makes financial sense to invest in its recycling process.It could also be a benefit for the environment.READ MORE: Tesla Battery Recycling Process Reports Zero Waste [InsideEVs]More Tesla Rumors: Tesla will sell a $25,000 carAdvertisementAdvertisement