Waste Battery Recycling from Electric Vehicles in Saudi Arabia: A Futuristic Policy Perspective

Governments and policymakers around the world are committed to decarbonize the transport sector. Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered an alternative to traditional, fossil-fuel-based transport systems. However, many countries are tackling critical challenges associated with waste batteries generated from EVs, which contain high-value materials such as lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni). As part of effective policy planning and development of recycling infrastructure for material recovery, there is a need for a systematic assessment of waste battery generation. This aims to estimate the number of retired EVs and the resulting battery generation in Saudi Arabia. Future sales data from government and industry reports were used to assess the amount of waste battery generation using a Weibull distribution-based model. The results of the study show that, in terms of units, around 6,233 EVs will be scrapped in 2030, generating approximately 2,400 tons of waste batteries. The majority of waste batteries will be generated between 2026 and 2030, a period requiring appropriate recycling technology. Considering various recycling and processing routes such as hydro metallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and biometallurgy for the 2030 scenario, the analysis indicates that with the biometallurgy technique, approximately 10.61 tons of various materials can be recovered, including valuable metals such as Co and Ni, at 1.38 tons each. This technique is also suitable for the recovery of aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe). Additionally, significant amounts of Li, around 2.29 tons, can be recovered through hydrometallurgy. This research provides valuable insights for planning future recycling infrastructure development. Further investigation is needed regarding the economic and environmental justification, considering the expected volume of future waste battery generation in Saudi Arabia.