BRUSSELS: Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has set itself the challenge of increasing its 91% average battery collection rate to 100%, via a new strategy for their internal collection system through its retail network.
Toyota boasts of its hybrid batteries out-living the vehicles that they power – often only being recovered when cars reach the end of their useful life, or if they have been involved in an accident.
The collection of batteries can also be collected at any authorised end-of-life vehicle treatment operators, which is why the Japanese automaker has announced an extension of its current battery recycling agreements till 31 March 2018.
Since July 2011, the France-based Société Nouvelle d’Affinage des Métaux (SNAM) has been taking back and recycling nickel-metal hydride (NiMh) batteries, previously used in the Prius, Auris Hybrid, Yaris Hybrid and all Lexus hybrid models.
Additionally, since August 2012, the Belgium-based company - Umicore NV, has handled lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which are used in Prius+ and Prius Plug-in models.
Used hybrid batteries are still mainly destined for recycling, but TME has started to research options for the remanufacture of NiMh batteries, potentially giving them a second life as a vehicle or as a stationary energy source.
Stationary batteries can potentially store surplus renewable energy, for example as an emergency back-up, or cheaper, or help manage fuel costs by storing cheaper, off-peak electricity.
“When our customers buy a hybrid, they already know that they are in for outstanding fuel efficiency, a stress-free driving experience and a reliable car,” Toyota Motor Europe general manager environment affairs Steve Hope.
Since 2000, roughly 850,000 Toyota and Lexus full-hybrid vehicles have been sold in Europe.
