Dawn News: Aliza Khalid – The lurking threat of EV batteries
Read the full article at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1730730/the-lurking-threat-of-ev-batteries
The article highlights the lack of proper disposal mechanisms and environmental concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) in Lahore, Pakistan. The author describes how lithium-ion batteries, including those from e-bikes and cars, end up in scrapyards where workers extract valuable elements such as copper and nickel. However, there is no training or information provided to these workers about the safe handling and disposal of lithium batteries. The article emphasizes that lithium is a reactive metal that can cause fires or explosions if mishandled or disposed of improperly. Globally, only 20% of electronic waste, which includes lithium-ion batteries, is formally recycled. Pakistan, in particular, lacks a national policy for e-waste management, and there are concerns about the health effects of lithium in water and the absence of a plan for proper lithium battery disposal as the country aims to replace petroleum-run bikes with e-bikes. The existing rules on battery recycling in Punjab do not address the management of lithium-ion batteries. The article calls for government regulation and the establishment of a disposal system for lithium batteries to address the growing environmental impact of their use and disposal.
