AT A GLANCE
- Most EV batteries retain 70–80% capacity at end of vehicle life, enabling second‑life uses like energy storage.
- Consumers lack confidence in recycling and reuse, despite growing infrastructure and future capacity.
- ULSE standards support safe repurposing, recycling, and circular battery design to help reduce environmental risk.
Sales of electric vehicles continue to grow considerably since their popularity took off a little over a decade ago, with 14% of Americans now owning an EV, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or hybrid electric vehicle.
Of U.S. adults are not confident EV batteries are recycled or repurposed responsibly
That sales growth also drives an important question: What happens to the energy- and cost-efficient lithium-ion batteries that power these vehicles when they begin to wear out?
According to a new study from UL Standards & Engagement, consumers aren’t entirely sure.
In this article, we take a close look at some of the survey results and address some of the questions, concerns, and knowledge gaps about the EV battery life cycle.
EV Battery End-of-Life Practices
When it comes to EV and PHEV battery disposal, there are very real concerns among U.S. adults about associated environmental, health, and fire risks, with many not confident that these power sources are properly recycled or repurposed. Only 38% believe batteries are recycled to recover valuable materials, and 44% are not confident they’re recycled or repurposed responsibly. Further, only 15% believe batteries are repurposed or reused for home or grid energy storage.
In reality, most first-generation mass-market EVs are still in use, with the first major wave of true end-of-life EV battery returns expected to begin in the mid‑2030s. And according to The International Energy Agency, current recycling and remanufacturing efforts are positioning the industry for the large volume of battery retirements that will occur at that time. Even when these batteries are no longer suitable for driving, they will typically retain about 70-80% of their energy capacity, making them valuable in second-life applications.
EV Battery Service Life
According to the latest ULSE EV survey, 32% of U.S. adults think EV batteries typically last 5–8 years. In reality, most EV batteries are covered by warranty for 8–10 years (or about 100,000 miles), and many battery packs retain the 70–80% capacity even after roughly 12–15 years. While this low state of health is below the threshold for automotive performance, these batteries often remain functional and usable long after reaching that point.
EV Battery Reuse
Companies that repurpose are leading with innovative solutions. Some are recasting EV batteries to power battery energy storage systems that support power grids and renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar. One supplier recently completed a BESS system in Texas with approximately 500 end-of-life EV battery packs, and another in California with 1,300 former EV batteries. In many of these facilities, standards like UL 9540 for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment help to manage safety risks. Of our survey respondents who do not own EVs, 49% said that the fact these batteries can be reused for energy storage has positively impacted their perception of owning these vehicles.
EV Battery Recycling
EV batteries can be taken apart to reuse components like the modules that hold the cells, the cooling system, and onboard computer. Many valuable battery materials, such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper, can be recycled from EV batteries. Even when batteries are reused, they should ultimately be recycled to recover these critical metals at end of life. Materials can be recovered through hydro/pyro-metallurgical processes or emerging direct recycling methods, supplying battery-grade materials back into cell manufacturing.
Two ULSE standards, UL 3601, Measuring and Reporting Circularity of Li-ion and Other Secondary Batteries, and UL 1974, Evaluation for Repurposing or Remanufacturing Batteries, can help ensure that batteries are designed to be reused or recycled, and that facilities are equipped to handle them with the right processes.
When the wave of EV battery returns begins in the mid-2030s, U.S. recycling capacity is actually expected to exceed the available battery recycling feedstock.
Environmental Impact
Lifecycle analyses consistently show that EVs have lower greenhouse gas emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles, even when battery production is considered. In 2014, the total life cycle GHG emissions from EVs were 5.4% lower than those from ICEVs, and GHG emissions from the fuel cycle of EVs were 15.1% less than that of ICEVs. However, if end‑of-life batteries are not handled properly, they can lead to significant environmental concerns. Battery disposal in landfills can release hazardous substances that contaminate soil and groundwater, including organic solvents from electrolytes and metals from cathode materials. While the specific risks vary by battery chemistry, reusing and recycling these batteries substantially reduces their environmental impacts.
Methodology
Survey data are drawn from the December 2025 wave of the ULSE Consumer Tracker series, a longitudinal survey-based project consisting of multiple topical pillars examining U.S. consumer awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to potential risk areas. These surveys are designed to be nationally representative.
This particular survey wave was completed by 2,218 U.S. adults, and the results are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level, with a margin of sampling error of +/-2.2%.
