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How Green are Auto Lithium Batteries?

Electric cars have become extremely popular in the last few years and we don’t see it slowing down. New sources of fuel for cars, such as batteries, offer an alternative and are becoming increasingly efficient and practical as regular oil emissions. Of course, the most commonly utilized battery technology in this arena is lithium batteries and it’s commonly utilized in electric cars and hybrids. The most notable thing about these batteries is that they are lighter and can hold charges for long periods of time.

How Green Are Auto Lithium Batteries

How green are they?

Well, unlike a lot of other technological innovations throughout humanity, acquiring lithium doesn’t require us to completely destroy the earth. There’s no strip mining or dynamite involved, fortunately. Most of the lithium on earth is located in South America, particularly in the Andes Mountains. There are smaller amounts available in China and the USA, some of this is mined from rock in the old fashioned manner. However, lithium is generally found in underground ponds. This is extracted through a liquid pump then the liquid is simply pumped out of the ground, and the remainder is left to dry in the sun. In fact, lithium creation is quite a clean and clear process and most of the damage with lithium batteries is caused through copper and aluminium extraction.

How Green Are Auto Lithium Batteries

Holding Charge

Generally, lithium batteries are capable of holding up to 80% of a charge, even after years of use. Finally, when the lithium battery can’t hold a reasonable charge, it will be taken apart and then the useful bits of it will be reused. Tesla for example will recycle the fluids used for cooling, as well as the wires and batteries. All the remaining metals and parts are recycled and separated into metals for other uses.

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