Just when all of you in the greater Fairfield area didn't think Honda could make its hybrid models any greener, it added a new environmentally friendly component to the mix. The disposal of hybrid batteries up until now has been viewed as a process that was not entirely resourceful. This is why Honda is now recycling components of the batteries to extend the life cycle of the materials. Here at Steve Hopkins Honda we are excited to uncover the details of the latest development.
Lets break down how exactly this recycling process works. "Using molten salt electrolysis, Honda can extract rare earth metals with 99 percent purity--the same as ordinary traded, newly mined rare earth metals," explains Green Car Reports. "Up to 80 percent of the metals found in a battery can be extracted, and it's suitable for re-use on the electrodes of other batteries."1
By using this technique, Honda has successfully recycled the rare earth minerals within the batteries of 386 hybrid vehicles. These particular models were damaged during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan, deeming them unable to be sold. On a larger scale, the automaker is recycling batteries at dealerships as customers bring them in for replacement.
With increased research, automakers have come to find that car batteries are composed of several recyclable materials. This means that more new Honda vehicles will be able to be manufactured using these reusable elements. We are proud to see Honda continue to develop its sustainability.
If you are interested in checking out the eco-friendly models that we have to offer, come visit our showroom conveniently located at 2499 Auto Mall Pkwy Fairfield, CA 94533. We can schedule you for a test drive with a Honda Civic Hybrid and also any of our other new or used Honda models. We look forward to helping you find a model that piques your interests, so stop in and see us soon!
Source: 1http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1082713_honda-recycles-hybrid-battery-packs-into-rare-earth-metals-for-new-ones
