China tightens lithium battery recycling regulations for electric vehicles

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chinese government, through the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology alongside the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, has reportedly issued new policies to standardise the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. As reported by Carnewschina on Sunday local time, these policies expand regulations that are now increasingly applied across the entire lifecycle of electric vehicle batteries. The policies outline steps to expand collection infrastructure, strengthen leading recycling companies, and introduce a digital monitoring system. Specifically, authorities are encouraging electric bicycle and lithium battery manufacturers to collaborate with recycling firms in building collection and temporary storage networks. This producer-involved model reflects a broader trend in China’s electric vehicle sector, where car manufacturers and battery suppliers are required to participate in end-of-life battery management, including establishing recycling service channels. It is known that the focus on major players aligns with the trend of increasing centralised recycling capacity in China’s electric vehicle industry, where material recovery and processing are increasingly concentrated in large companies. The government is also promoting the use of digital platforms to record the origin, quantity, and destination of batteries at every recycling stage. This system provides a unique digital identity for each battery and enables full traceability throughout its lifecycle via a centralised data structure. The platform applies to battery manufacturers, new energy vehicle producers, maintenance companies, and recycling firms, forming a closed management system for battery oversight. Local governments are urged to implement uniform technical guidelines and develop scalable recycling models, while central authorities will conduct regular monitoring of system progress. This framework emphasises coordination between regulators and supply chain actors, reflecting a broader regulatory approach in China’s electric vehicle sector.