The Chinese government has formalized the legal framework for recycling new-energy vehicle (NEV) batteries, reports Caixin. The mandate places the primary responsibility for recovering waste power cells on automakers as the industry braces for a surge in battery retirements.
Under the new regulation, set to take effect on 1 April, NEV manufacturers are required to establish recycling service outlets commensurate with their sales volumes in the regions where they operate. Automakers are also prohibited from refusing to accept waste batteries transferred by vehicle maintenance service providers and vehicle recycling companies.
The regulation puts emphasis on the need to standardize management across key stages linked to the generation of waste batteries, including battery manufacturing, end-of-life vehicle disposal, battery-swapping operations, and battery maintenance.