Boosting Sustainability: ECLAC presents Regulatory Framework for Electromobility Batteries in Latin America and the Caribbean

In an effort to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices and businesses in the electromobility sector, a proposal has been presented for a regulatory framework for end-of-life batteries from electromobility in Latin America and the Caribbean. This initiative arises in the context of the program “Inclusive, Sustainable and Smart Cities in the Framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean”, executed by ECLAC in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

When the battery capacity drops below 70%-80%, it can no longer be used for transport, but can be reused (second life) for energy storage, for example in a solar photovoltaic system, or recycled to extract valuable components. The proposal sets out requirements for the entry, recycling or second-life use of batteries, with the aim of ensuring proper management of these key components of electric vehicles, within the framework of extended producer responsibility. Among the highlighted measures is the obligation to provide information on batteries. On the one hand, this information is essential for compliance with safety regulations. On the other hand, detailed information on the characteristics of the battery and its chemical composition makes it possible to reduce the costs of systematizing recycling or second-life use processes.

The regulatory framework designed seeks not only to prevent negative environmental impacts associated with the poor management of used batteries, but also to turn them into a valuable source of materials and energy, contributing to the reduction of the extraction of natural resources through recycling or second-life use. Although the proposal is adapted to the specific realities of each country in the region, the collaboration of officials from Uruguay, Chile and Colombia in its development is noteworthy, showing an initial interest in its implementation and technical assistance.

The Proposal for a regulatory framework for end-of-life batteries from electromobility: requirements for entry, recycling and second-life use for stationary energy storage, is based on a comprehensive study of existing regulations worldwide, adapting them to regional conditions, and focuses on batteries from non-light electric vehicles, offering a comprehensive approach to their proper management.

This initiative represents an important step towards promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean, by advancing the reuse or recycling of these batteries at the end of their useful life, which presents multiple advantages, becoming a valuable source of materials and energy that avoids the need to extract additional natural resources, thus promoting the circular economy and sustainability in the region.