Honda will recycle rare earth metals from old hybrid batteries
04-19-2012, 03:51 AM
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Honda will recycle rare earth metals from old hybrid batteries
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hybrid, Honda, Japan
The supply of rare earth metals used in the manufacture of nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and permanent magnet motors that are found in most hybrids has been somewhat uncertain the past few years, what with China's lock on the supply and its recent policy of limiting exports. While there are a number of possible solutions and workarounds, Honda is tackling the problem using an approach we can heartily endorse: recycling.
With its partner Japan Metals & Chemicals, the automaker is about to begin a program that would see the battery packs from its hybrids collected by its dealers around the globe and returned to have the rare earth recovered from the used packs. The company had previously been using a heat process to get nickel back from the batteries, but a new process can help them return about 80 percent of rare earth metals as well. The recycled materials will then be used to make more batteries, along with other parts.
Honda plans to broaden the program to include the recycling of other rare-earth containing parts in the future. Make your way past the break for the official press release.Continue reading Honda will recycle rare earth metals from old hybrid batteries
Honda will recycle rare earth metals from old hybrid batteries originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The supply of rare earth metals used in the manufacture of nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and permanent magnet motors that are found in most hybrids has been somewhat uncertain the past few years, what with China's lock on the supply and its recent policy of limiting exports. While there are a number of possible solutions and workarounds, Honda is tackling the problem using an approach we can heartily endorse: recycling.
With its partner Japan Metals & Chemicals, the automaker is about to begin a program that would see the battery packs from its hybrids collected by its dealers around the globe and returned to have the rare earth recovered from the used packs. The company had previously been using a heat process to get nickel back from the batteries, but a new process can help them return about 80 percent of rare earth metals as well. The recycled materials will then be used to make more batteries, along with other parts.
Honda plans to broaden the program to include the recycling of other rare-earth containing parts in the future. Make your way past the break for the official press release.Continue reading Honda will recycle rare earth metals from old hybrid batteries
Honda will recycle rare earth metals from old hybrid batteries originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
[h=6][/h]Permalink | Email this | Comments
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