Second Chances for EV Batteries
By Naomi Imai and Owen Xu Sep. 23, 2026
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a cleaner alternative to gasoline or diesel cars due to lower lifetime carbon footprints. But when an EV battery can no longer adequately charge, it gets recycled or gets repurposed for second-life stationary storage to maximize their economic and environmental value, while new technologies like sodium-ion and solid-state batteries address the cost and performance constraints of traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries found in these vehicles contain toxic materials, so making use of them after they are no longer usable for their primary purposes is a significant concern. However, modern technology has given EV batteries the potential to become useful in the long-term for the car industry—EV batteries can be recycled to have a second life in stationary storage and new types of batteries with new advantages are being researched.
Some EV batteries enter an extra step before recycling called stationary storage—such as grid support and backup power—giving them a second life. To qualify, batteries must first pass a technical assessment evaluating their chemistry, age and operating history. Waste360 notes that second-life applications of EV batteries can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22%-51% in residential energy storage and 7%-31% in utility applications.
“Companies should be manufacturing recyclable batteries because it is a feasible solution to the problem presented by the disposal of batteries. By reusing batteries, the toxic chemicals and harmful effects on our environment can be reduced,” Freshman Krish Patel said.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), sodium-ion batteries outperform lithium-ion batteries in colder weather. Combining both can extend the range of EVs, making the combination ideal for short-range cars, light commercial vehicles and stationary storage. Propow Energy reports that sodium-ion batteries are also 20%-40% cheaper to make than lithium-ion batteries; however, lower energy densities and underdeveloped supply chains limit their large-scale deployment.
According to the American Chemical Society (ACS), some limitations of these new batteries include, sodium-ions store less energy and have a bulkier structure compared to their lithium-ion counterparts. Solid-state batteries are very expensive to produce, with an immature supply chain not yet ready to support the ever-increasing demands of the EV car industry.
To address these challenges, Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has begun producing Naxtra sodium-ion batteries. By overcoming engineering problems—such as controlling water levels, preventing gas buildup and keeping battery materials together—the batteries are scheduled to begin full-scale mass production by late 2026.
“If I were given the choice to have an EV with a sodium-ion battery, my decision would depend on what I need the car for. For short commutes, I would typically use the sodium-ion EV, and I can use an EV that can go farther distances for longer commutes,” Senior Thea Cuboni said.
Another new EV battery, the solid-state battery, promises longer driving ranges and enhanced safety compared to lithium-ion batteries, per the IEA. While produced on a small scale for testing—such as a partnership between automaker Stellantis and innovator Factorial Energy—high costs will likely limit solid-state batteries to premium EVs until the early 2030s.
These new technologies may affect some already struggling recycling businesses, since sodium-ion batteries use cheaper materials. If sodium-ion batteries are in more EV cars, recycling businesses could potentially see reduced recycling profitability, as per Science Direct. Recyclers may be forced to find new business models, such as charging extra fees. Meanwhile, although solid-state batteries would initially be expensive, long-term production increases could drive costs down, ultimately making EVs more affordable for lower-income households.
Significant challenges remain in achieving mass production, lowering manufacturing costs for solid-state batteries, and incorporating sodium-ion batteries into long-range vehicles. However, ongoing initiatives are actively targeting these hurdles; the U.S. Department of Energy is funding research to overcome barriers to large-scale solid-state battery production and CATL is developing sodium-ion batteries with 500 km ranges. Ultimately, despite initial financial and technical friction for recyclers and manufacturers, ongoing innovation is clearing the way for a more sustainable, affordable future.
About the Contributors
Owen Xu
Staff Writer
Jialang Xu is a freshman at Leland High school and is a crafty writer yet still constantly looking to hone his skills. When he's not sleeping he's either eating good food, playing tennis or just chilling out with his amigos.
Naomi Imai
Staff Writer
Naomi Imai is a sophomore at Leland High School. The classes I'm taking this year are Chemistry honors, Precalculus, P.E. 2, Accel World history, Ethnic Lit Honors, and Journalism 1-2. I also love to listen to vocaloid songs.
Eleanor Wang
Front Page adn Lifestly Page Editor/Artist
Eleanor Wang is a senior at Leland High School and the Front Page and Lifestyle Page Editor, as well as the Ad Manager for The Charger Account. When not making crafts, she can be found binging movies or shopping with friends.
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