The Norwegian Car Importers’ Association with a new company for return and recycling – Will handle 50,000 used electric car batteries annually
Last week, news came that the Norwegian Environment Agency has approved the company Autoretur Battery Recycling (ABR).
The company was established by the Norwegian Automobile Importers’ Association (BIL) and is intended to ensure that producer responsibility for high-energy batteries from electric vehicles is upheld.
– With the approval in place, we can offer a comprehensive and safe solution for the collection, handling and treatment of high-energy batteries. This is circular economy in practice, says ABR CEO Erik Andresen.
The automotive industry will be responsible for over 100,000 batteries annually
Everyone who imports cars to Norway is required to be a member of an approved producer responsibility company, so that all parts of the car are handled properly after the car has ended its useful life.
For electric cars, it is particularly important to handle the batteries, which can be both environmentally hazardous and flammable if not treated correctly.
Furthermore, the batteries contain many valuable metals that can be recycled and used in new batteries.
The automotive industry representative reports that they see the need to scale up the return system.
Within five years, it is expected that over 50,000 such batteries will need to be handled annually. By 2035, the number is estimated to exceed 100,000.
– This makes it absolutely crucial to put in place a system that ensures safe and efficient collection and treatment of used batteries from electric vehicles, says Andresen at ABR.
Joint organization for the industry
The company ABR is now approved to undertake the organization of producer responsibility on behalf of the entire industry in Norway.
The company will be operational from November 1, replacing the existing scheme through Autoretur.
Autoretur Battery Recycling will handle all statutory reporting to the Norwegian Environment Agency and ensure that the requirements for collection, traceability and treatment are met – without the individual importer having to establish their own systems.
The company will use Autoretur’s existing nationwide collection network. BIL believes this will provide efficient logistics and reduced emissions – while ensuring safe handling of used batteries.
– Through the new company, car importers will receive a cost-effective and responsible solution that meets both regulatory requirements and customer expectations for sustainability, says Harald J. Andersen, CEO of BIL.
READ the latest Batteries News shaping the battery market
The Norwegian Car Importers’ Association with a new company for return and recycling – Will handle 50,000 used electric car batteries annually
