End users can make a significant impact on waste reduction by embracing best practices and exploring opportunities for battery reuse and recycling. These efforts not only extend battery life but also reduce the demand for new batteries and reduce environmental impact. There are several types of batteries in vehicles:

Traction Battery

Battery that is specifically designed to provide electric power for traction in hybrid or electric vehicles, that weighs more than 25 kg.

Portable Battery

Battery that is sealed, weighs 5 kg or less, is not designed specifically for industrial use and is neither an electric vehicle battery, nor an SLI battery (E.g. Key battery).

SLI Battery

Starter, Light and Ignition Battery that is specifically designed to supply electric power for starting, lighting, or ignition and that can also be used for auxiliary or backup purposes in vehicles (E.g. 12-volt battery).

To maximize the lifespan of vehicle batteries and promote sustainability, it is important to follow practices that extend their use and enable reuse, repurposing, and remanufacturing.

For Traction Battery

First, charge the battery before it is fully discharged and avoid overcharging. Always use the manufacturer-recommended charger for your battery type and ensure the charging equipment is compatible with your battery to prevent damage to it. Temperature management is also critical. Keep the battery within the manufacturer-recommended temperature range. Additionally, store the vehicle in a cool, dry place when not in use. If storing the vehicle for extended periods, check the charge level periodically to ensure it doesn't drop too low. Regular use of the vehicle ensures the battery remains in optimal condition. Finally, when the battery's performance significantly declines, it’s time to replace it. Be sure to recycle the old battery properly to minimize environmental impact.

For Portable Battery

Avoiding extreme temperatures, preventing exposure to moisture and storing the battery in cool, dry conditions will also help maintain its performance. Handle portable batteries carefully to avoid damaging the casing or connectors. Do not drop or subject the battery to heavy impacts, as physical damage can lead to battery failure or even pose a safety risk, especially in lithium-ion batteries. Batteries degrade over time and will eventually need to be replaced. If your portable battery isn’t holding a charge well or fails to meet your device's power needs, it’s time to replace it. Always dispose of old batteries responsibly by recycling them at designated collection points.

For SLI Battery

First, maintain proper charge levels. Regularly check that the battery is properly charged, especially during long periods of vehicle inactivity. Ensure the battery is fully charged during the winter months, as cold temperatures can reduce its ability to start the engine. Avoid letting the battery discharge completely, as deep discharges can damage it. Keep the battery away from extreme heat, as these conditions can significantly affect its performance and lifespan. Regularly inspect the battery for any signs of corrosion, especially around the terminals. Tighten and secure the battery terminals regularly to avoid loose connections, which can lead to voltage drops and poor performance. Corroded or loose connections can also cause starting issues or prevent proper charging. If you notice any physical damage, replace the battery immediately. Even when not in use, periodically charge the battery to maintain its health and regularly check and maintain the electrolyte levels. If the battery shows signs of reduced capacity (such as difficulty starting the engine or dimmed lights), it’s time for a replacement. Further instructions for traction and SLI batteries can be found in the corresponding owner’s manual of your vehicle.

If the traction battery no longer meets the needs of the vehicle, it may be suitable for repurposing in lower-demand applications, such as backup power systems. Traction batteries can be valuable in energy storage systems or as part of renewable energy setups. For batteries that are no longer suitable for reuse, remanufacturing may be an option. In this process, worn-out modules within the battery can be replaced, extending the battery's life and reducing waste. You can find more information here: https://www.nissan-energy.com/

The correct disposal and recycling of waste batteries is vital for safeguarding the environment and human health. Improper disposal of batteries can lead to the leakage of harmful chemicals which if enter soil or water, may cause ecosystem damage. Rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries contain hazardous substances, including heavy metals and chemicals, which pose a risk of environmental contamination if disposed of with general waste. As such, they must be separated and collected for recycling. We provide a free take-back service at designated locations for waste batteries, allowing consumers to return them for proper disposal and recycling. End users are encouraged to utilize these facilities to ensure responsible disposal and support the recovery of valuable materials from batteries. Battery recycling plays a crucial role in recovering valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, thus reducing the need for mining of virgin material.

Traction Battery

Your traction battery can be collected free of charge by the dealer who sold this vehicle.

Portable Battery

You can drop off the portable battery at public collection points or respective dealer where the vehicle was purchased.

SLI Battery

You can dispose of your SLI battery by visiting an appropriate collection point for recycling or dropping it off to the dealer.

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Impact of Batteries on Human Health and the Environment

Health Risks:

• Damaged batteries release harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation, burns, and respiratory problems.
• Overheating or mishandling can lead to thermal runaway, releasing toxic fumes that are harmful to health.
• Increased risk of fire from the leakage of flammable electrolytes.

Environmental Impact:

• Improper disposal can leak hazardous chemicals into the environment, polluting soil and water, and harming wildlife.
• End user is responsible for proper disposal to avoid environmental pollution and reduce negative impact of chemical substances.

Protective Measures and Safety Guidelines

By following protective measures and safety manufacturer's recommendations, end users can ensure the safe use and handling of batteries, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring longer battery life.

Emergency Procedures

Battery-related emergencies can pose significant risks, requiring prompt and careful action to protect health and safety. Site specific risk assessments should be in place before handling batteries. End users are responsible following safety measures, properly maintaining batteries, and taking immediate action in the event of an emergency.

In case of a lithium battery spill:

• Evacuate the area if needed to avoid exposure to hazardous materials and seek expert advice.
• If suitably trained staff available, wear suitable PPE (for example chemical resistant gauntlets, goggles, visor, chemical resistant overalls) and use absorbent materials or a spill kit to contain the liquid.
• Ensure risk assessment is in place.
• Dispose of any materials without compromising environmental safety and in line with local regulatory requirements.

In case of thermal runaway, smoke, heat, or dangerous battery conditions:

• Leave the vehicle or evacuate the area, move people to safety and avoid inhaling smoke or fumes.
• Call the fire department and report the thermal runaway and advise first responders that this is an electric vehicle or battery.
• Use fire extinguishers to protect escape routes while you evacuate if needed.

In case of an accident / First Aid procedures:

• If battery fluid or acid comes into contact with your eyes, rinse them immediately with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention right away.
• If the battery substance comes into contact with your skin, wash the affected area thoroughly with a large amount of water and soap, consider using C-gel or similar. Seek medical attention right away.

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