10 questions about dismantling electric cars

1

What are the differences between dismantling an electric or hybrid car and dismantling a regular car?

Electric or hybrid cars are fitted with a form of electric motor. Hybrid cars also have a “standard” combustion engine in addition to an electric motor. Dismantling one of these cars requires the technician to have specific knowledge and skills in order to avoid hazardous situations.

In addition to the vehicle markings, you can also recognise a hybrid or electric car from the fuel code stated on the registration certificate. The fuel code for these vehicles is E. Working on these cars requires a special approach from the moment they are received to the dismantling. We recommend that you test your work processes and adjust these where necessary to avoid any unnecessary risks.

Ensure that work is performed by adequately trained persons who are equipped with the right tools and Personal Protective Equipment.

The difference to dismantling a ‘regular’ car starts right at the beginning when the car arrives at the dismantling firm. In the case of end-of-life vehicles with damage, there are certainly specific risks and you are advised to take these into account.

2

Is there a training course for safely dismantling electric cars?

ARN has been offering the one-day training course‘Safely dismantling electric and hybrid cars’ since 2013. We provide the theoretical part in the morning and in the afternoon participants get to work on an electric car. The training course ends with a test. Participants receive a certificate if they pass the test.

The training course costs 295 euros excluding VAT per participant. ARN covers the costs of the training course for the first participant from dismantling firms affiliated with ARN. Over 250 people have taken this course so far.

3

Does the dismantling of electric cars have consequences for the equipment at my dismantling firm?

To safely dismantle electric cars, in addition to well trained staff, you need the necessary tools, personal protective equipment and measurement equipment. It is advisable to clearly divide up the work with the dismantling team when you dismantle electric and hybrid cars.

4

How heavy is the battery in an electric car?

The battery in a hybrid car can weigh between 30 kg and around 200 kg. In electric cars, it can weigh up to 700 kg.

5

How should you store a battery after it has been dismantled?

The laws in this area are still under development. The rules under the Hazardous Substances Publication Series (PGS) standards are being supplemented with provisions for electric vehicle batteries. The supplemented PGS may become part of the Activities Directive that applies to your company.

However, the fire brigade has already made some recommendations for storing batteries. It recommends keeping a quarantine distance (safety zone) of 15 metres around batteries from damaged cars.

6

Can a dismantled battery be sold as a part?

An electric vehicle battery (and incidentally also a regular car battery) is the only part of a vehicle that is subject to additional environmental laws which supplement the laws on end-of-life vehicles. There is a legal obligation to have all car batteries recycled after dismantling. The exception to this rule is that you are permitted to reuse these batteries in the type of car for which the battery was designed.

This means that you are permitted to sell batteries if the batteries are used as an electric vehicle battery in the same type of hybrid or electric car.

7

What are the rules on transporting batteries?

If the battery is not safe for transport or if this cannot be determined, then it must be transported in specially designed transport packaging with temperature control and fire extinguishing equipment. ARN has this type of packaging. You can call ARN and we will look with you for the best solution.

New provisions will be included in the near future in the ADR regulations that apply in the Netherlands for transporting hazardous substances by road. These have not yet entered into effect.

8

How many companies in the Netherlands have legal approval for converting end-of-life vehicle batteries for energy storage, for instance?

The garage Peter Ursem in Zwaag and Timeshift Storage in Arnhem already have this approval. The company NPP Power Europe in Zevenbergen is currently working out the final details of the required documents.

9

What are the risks of dismantling?

The main risks when dismantling a hybrid or electric car are coming into contact with live parts and the possibility of a fire. For these reasons ARN provides the training course Safe dismantling of hybrid and electric vehicles. (See question 2)

10

Where do the challenges for dismantling hybrid and electric vehicles lie in the future? 

Electric systems in new models are increasingly being fitted with 48V batteries. Recognising these systems and safely dismantling and recycling them is a challenge that we will be facing soon. ARN is closely following these developments.