In recent years, the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry in China has led to a significant increase in the production, sales, and inventory of traction batteries, making the regulation of China EV battery recycling an urgent priority. The recycling and reuse of EV power batteries not only address environmental issues associated with end-of-life waste disposal but also alleviate the pressure of shortages in critical battery resources. Additionally, these practices contribute to reducing carbon emissions in manufacturing processes, thereby supporting the achievement of carbon neutrality goals. We have conducted extensive research on the standard system for China EV battery recycling, analyzing its current status, challenges, and future directions to promote sustainable development in this sector.
The accumulation of retired EV power batteries poses serious environmental risks if not handled properly, including pollution and resource wastage. At the same time, the industry faces issues such as inadequate standards, regulatory difficulties, and profitability challenges for recycling enterprises. To address these, China has established a preliminary standard system for China EV battery recycling, covering aspects like general requirements, product specifications, cascade utilization, regeneration, management norms, and logistics. This system aims to guide the safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly recycling of EV power batteries, fostering a circular economy. In this article, we explore the current state of the standard system, its synergy with policies, existing problems, and propose future tasks to enhance the recycling of China EV batteries.
Current Status of the EV Power Battery Recycling Standard System
We have systematically reviewed the standard system for China EV battery recycling, which was initiated as early as 2011. By now, a total of 16 national and industry standards are in effect, primarily managed by the National Automotive Standardization Technical Committee (SAC/TC 114) and the National Logistics Standardization Technical Committee (SAC/TC 269). These standards play a crucial role in standardizing industry development, promoting resource comprehensive utilization, and ensuring public safety. The standard system is built around the lifecycle of EV power batteries, encompassing key areas such as general requirements, new product specifications, cascade utilization, regeneration, management norms, recycling logistics, equipment facilities, safety requirements, and greenhouse gas management. Below, we summarize the progress in these areas using tables and formulas to illustrate the efficiency and impact of the standards.
First, let us consider the general requirements. The standard GB/T 44132—2024 provides definitions and terminology for China EV battery recycling processes, establishing a unified framework for the industry. It outlines general requirements for the entire lifecycle, including design for cascade utilization, use of recycled materials, retirement, disassembly, recycling, packaging, storage, transportation, cascade utilization, regeneration, and final disposal. This standard serves as a foundation for the entire standard system, ensuring consistency and safety in handling EV power batteries.
In terms of new product specifications, two standards are currently in place. GB/T 34013—2017 specifies the dimensional standards for power battery cells, modules, and standard boxes used in electric vehicles, applicable to lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride batteries. This standardization facilitates the large-scale disassembly and reuse of retired batteries. GB/T 34014—2017 defines the coding rules for automotive power batteries, covering battery packs, modules, cells, and those for cascade use. This coding supports traceability throughout the battery lifecycle, enabling effective monitoring and management via platforms like the “New Energy Vehicle National Monitoring and Power Battery Recycling Traceability Comprehensive Management Platform.” The coding efficiency can be represented by the formula: $$T = \frac{N_c}{N_t} \times 100\%$$ where \(T\) is the traceability rate, \(N_c\) is the number of coded batteries, and \(N_t\) is the total number of batteries. This ensures that over 90% of China EV batteries are traceable, enhancing recycling efficiency.
For cascade utilization, five standards are implemented. GB/T 34015—2017 focuses on residual energy detection, specifying methods to assess the remaining capacity of retired EV power batteries to determine their suitability for cascade use. The residual energy \(E_r\) can be calculated as: $$E_r = E_0 \times \left(1 – \frac{t}{L}\right)$$ where \(E_0\) is the initial energy capacity, \(t\) is the time in use, and \(L\) is the typical lifespan. This helps in identifying batteries with cascade potential, reducing waste. Other standards, such as GB/T 34015.2—2020 for disassembly requirements and GB/T 34015.3—2021 for cascade utilization requirements, provide guidelines for safe removal and evaluation of retired batteries. GB/T 34015.4—2021 standardizes product labeling for cascade-used batteries, improving consumer recognition and market规范化. GB/T 34015.5—2025 offers design guidelines for new batteries to facilitate future cascade use, promoting a circular approach in the production of EV power batteries.
In the area of regeneration, four standards are active. GB/T 33598—2017 outlines disassembly specifications for retired battery packs and modules, ensuring safe and efficient processing. The disassembly efficiency \(\eta_d\) can be expressed as: $$\eta_d = \frac{W_r}{W_t} \times 100\%$$ where \(W_r\) is the weight of recovered materials and \(W_t\) is the total battery weight. GB/T 33598.2—2020 sets requirements for material recovery, emphasizing the recycling of valuable metals like lithium and cobalt, with a recovery rate \(R_m\) given by: $$R_m = \frac{M_r}{M_t} \times 100\%$$ where \(M_r\) is the mass of recycled materials and \(M_t\) is the total mass of recoverable materials. GB/T 33598.3—2021 specifies discharge procedures to enhance safety during recycling, and QC/T 1156—2021 provides technical norms for cell disassembly. Additional standards under development, such as those for recycling reports and material tracing, aim to further improve the regeneration process for China EV batteries.
Management norms include two standards: GB/T 38698.1—2020 for packaging and transportation, and GB/T 38698.2—2023 for recycling service网点 requirements. These ensure safe handling and storage of retired EV power batteries, minimizing risks during logistics. The safety index \(S\) can be modeled as: $$S = \frac{1}{1 + \lambda \cdot I}$$ where \(\lambda\) is the risk factor and \(I\) is the incident rate. Standards under development for装卸搬运, storage, collection, residual value assessment, and integrated design will complete the management framework, supporting the entire lifecycle of China EV battery recycling.
Recycling logistics are covered by two standards: WB/T 1061—2016 for waste battery recycling management and WB/T 1105—2020 for technical requirements of metal logistics boxes. These standards optimize transportation efficiency and reduce costs, with the logistics efficiency \(\eta_l\) defined as: $$\eta_l = \frac{V_t}{C_t} \times 100\%$$ where \(V_t\) is the volume transported and \(C_t\) is the transport capacity. This enhances the overall sustainability of EV power battery recycling.
For equipment facilities, standards are being developed for safety boxes and intelligent crushing equipment, addressing the need for specialized tools in disassembly and processing. Similarly, safety requirements are evolving, with a focus on standards for disassembly and破碎 safety to prevent accidents like short circuits or fires. Greenhouse gas management standards are in the pipeline for carbon footprint quantification of recycled and cascade-used products, as well as emission accounting for enterprises. The carbon footprint \(CF\) for a recycled EV power battery can be estimated as: $$CF = \sum_{i=1}^n (E_i \cdot EF_i) + \sum_{j=1}^m (M_j \cdot C_j)$$ where \(E_i\) is energy consumption, \(EF_i\) is the emission factor, \(M_j\) is material input, and \(C_j\) is the carbon intensity. This aligns with global efforts to reduce emissions in the China EV battery sector.
To summarize the current standards, we present Table 1, which lists the existing national and industry standards for China EV battery recycling. This table provides an overview of the standards by field, standard number, and name, illustrating the comprehensive coverage of the system.
| Field | Standard Number | Standard Name |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | GB/T 44132—2024 | General Requirements for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| New Product Specifications | GB/T 34013—2017 | Product Specification Dimensions for Power Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles |
| New Product Specifications | GB/T 34014—2017 | Coding Rules for Automotive Power Batteries |
| Cascade Utilization | GB/T 34015—2017 | Residual Energy Detection for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| Cascade Utilization | GB/T 34015.2—2020 | Cascade Utilization Part 2: Disassembly Requirements for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| Cascade Utilization | GB/T 34015.3—2021 | Cascade Utilization Part 3: Utilization Requirements for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| Cascade Utilization | GB/T 34015.4—2021 | Cascade Utilization Part 4: Product Labeling for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| Cascade Utilization | GB/T 34015.5—2025 | Cascade Utilization Part 5: Design Guide for Recyclability of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| Regeneration | GB/T 33598—2017 | Disassembly Specification for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| Regeneration | GB/T 33598.2—2020 | Regeneration Part 2: Material Recovery Requirements for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| Regeneration | GB/T 33598.3—2021 | Regeneration Part 3: Discharge Specification for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| Regeneration | QC/T 1156—2021 | Cell Disassembly Technical Specification for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| Management Norms | GB/T 38698.1—2020 | Management Norms Part 1: Packaging and Transportation for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| Management Norms | GB/T 38698.2—2023 | Management Norms Part 2: Recycling Service Points for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle |
| Recycling Logistics | WB/T 1061—2016 | Management Specification for Waste Battery Recycling |
| Recycling Logistics | WB/T 1105—2020 | Technical Requirements for Metal Logistics Boxes for Waste Power Batteries |
The evolution of these standards demonstrates a commitment to improving the recycling of EV power batteries in China. However, we recognize that the system is not yet complete, and ongoing efforts are needed to address gaps in areas like equipment facilities and safety. The formulas and tables presented here highlight the technical aspects, such as recovery rates and efficiency metrics, which are essential for evaluating the performance of China EV battery recycling processes.
Synergy Between Standards and Policies in Regulating the Industry
We have observed that the standards for China EV battery recycling work in tandem with national policies to regulate the industry effectively. Over the years, the Chinese government has introduced various policies to support the recycling of EV power batteries, emphasizing producer responsibility, traceability, and environmental protection. These policies often reference existing standards, creating a cohesive framework for implementation. For instance, the “New Energy Vehicle Power Battery Cascade Utilization Management Measures” and the “Comprehensive Utilization Industry Specification Conditions for Waste Power Batteries of New Energy Vehicles” cite standards like GB/T 34014 for coding rules and GB/T 33598 for disassembly specifications. This synergy ensures that standards are enforced through policy mandates, enhancing compliance and industry规范化.
To illustrate this interplay, we have compiled Table 2, which summarizes key national policies related to China EV battery recycling, along with their main contents. This table shows how policies leverage standards to achieve objectives such as traceability, safety, and resource efficiency.
| Policy Name | Issuing Department | Implementation Time | Main Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guidance on Accelerating the Promotion and Application of New Energy Vehicles | State Council General Office | July 2014 | Proposed to accelerate the construction of after-sales service system for new energy vehicles, study and formulate policies for power battery recycling, and establish a sound recycling system for waste power batteries. |
| Technical Policy for Recycling of Electric Vehicle Power Batteries (2015 Edition) | National Development and Reform Commission et al. | January 2016 | Provided guidance on the management of power battery recycling, covering design, production, recycling, cascade utilization, and regeneration of electric vehicle power batteries. |
| Producer Responsibility Extension System Implementation Plan | State Council General Office | December 2016 | Specified that electric vehicle and power battery manufacturers are responsible for establishing waste battery recycling networks to ensure proper recycling and safe disposal. Required product coding and full lifecycle traceability systems. |
| Notice on Opening the Automotive Power Battery Coding Filing System | China Vehicle Technology Service Center | February 2018 | Required power battery producers and cascade users to apply for manufacturer codes and file coding rules through the “Automotive Power Battery Coding Filing System” based on GB/T 34014. |
| Notice on Organizing Pilot Work for Recycling of New Energy Vehicle Power Batteries | Ministry of Industry and Information Technology et al. | February 2018 | Launched pilot programs for power battery recycling, promoting the construction of recycling systems in regions like Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Shanghai. |
| Notice on Doing a Good Job in Pilot Work for Recycling of New Energy Vehicle Power Batteries | Ministry of Industry and Information Technology et al. | July 2018 | Specified tasks and plans for pilot regions and enterprises to achieve recycling targets, ensuring coordinated efforts. |
| Interim Measures for the Recycling of Power Batteries of New Energy Vehicles | Ministry of Industry and Information Technology et al. | August 2018 | Established the producer responsibility extension system, making new energy vehicle producers primarily responsible for battery recycling. Defined requirements for design, production, sales, use, maintenance,报废, recycling, and utilization. |
| Interim Provisions on Traceability Management for Recycling of Power Batteries of New Energy Vehicles | Ministry of Industry and Information Technology | August 2018 | Established the “New Energy Vehicle National Monitoring and Power Battery Recycling Traceability Comprehensive Management Platform” for information collection and monitoring throughout the battery lifecycle. |
| Guidelines for the Construction and Operation of Recycling Service Points for New Energy Vehicle Power Batteries | Ministry of Industry and Information Technology | October 2019 | Specified requirements for the construction, operation, safety, and environmental protection of recycling service points for waste power batteries. |
| New Energy Vehicle Industry Development Plan (2021-2035) | State Council General Office | October 2020 | Emphasized the need to accelerate legislation for power battery recycling, strengthen traceability management, and build an efficient recycling system for resource recovery and green development. |
| 14th Five-Year Plan for Circular Economy Development | National Development and Reform Commission | July 2021 | Deployed key projects and actions in the circular economy, including the recycling of waste power batteries. Advocated for traceability platforms, standardized recycling points, cascade utilization, and technological advancement. |
| Measures for the Management of Cascade Utilization of Power Batteries of New Energy Vehicles | Ministry of Industry and Information Technology et al. | September 2021 | Defined management principles, scope, requirements for cascade utilization enterprises, product standards, and recycling requirements for power batteries. |
| Industry Specification Conditions for Comprehensive Utilization of Waste Power Batteries of New Energy Vehicles (2024 Edition) | Ministry of Industry and Information Technology | December 2024 | Refined management requirements for cascade utilization and regeneration, strengthening safety and environmental responsibilities in comprehensive utilization. |
| Action Plan for Improving the Recycling System of New Energy Vehicle Power Batteries | State Council | February 2025 | Focused on improving the recycling and comprehensive utilization system for waste power batteries and other emerging solid wastes. |
Furthermore, Table 3 details how specific policies reference standards, reinforcing their application in the recycling of China EV batteries. This table highlights the direct links between policy requirements and standard provisions, ensuring that enterprises adhere to technical specifications for coding, testing, disassembly, and management.
| Policy Name | Referenced Standard Names |
|---|---|
| Measures for the Management of Cascade Utilization of Power Batteries of New Energy Vehicles | GB/T 34014 “Coding Rules for Automotive Power Batteries”, GB/T 34015 “Residual Energy Detection for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle” |
| Comprehensive Utilization Industry Specification Conditions for Waste Power Batteries of New Energy Vehicles (Draft for Comments) | GB/T 33598 “Disassembly Specification for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle”, GB/T 38698.1 “Management Norms Part 1: Packaging and Transportation for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle” |
| Industry Specification Conditions for Comprehensive Utilization of Waste Power Batteries of New Energy Vehicles (2024 Edition) | GB/T 34014 “Coding Rules for Automotive Power Batteries”, GB/T 34015.3 “Cascade Utilization Part 3: Utilization Requirements for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle”, GB/T 34015.4 “Cascade Utilization Part 4: Product Labeling for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle”, GB/T 33598 “Disassembly Specification for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle”, GB/T 33598.3 “Regeneration Part 3: Discharge Specification for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle”, GB/T 38698.1 “Management Norms Part 1: Packaging and Transportation for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle”, QC/T 1156 “Cell Disassembly Technical Specification for Recycling of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle” |
The synergy between standards and policies has been instrumental in addressing challenges in the recycling of EV power batteries, such as inconsistent practices and safety risks. For example, the traceability enabled by coding standards allows for better monitoring of battery flows, reducing illegal dumping and promoting responsible recycling. The overall impact can be quantified using a compliance index \(C_i\): $$C_i = \frac{N_a}{N_t} \times 100\%$$ where \(N_a\) is the number of enterprises adhering to standards and \(N_t\) is the total number of enterprises. This index has shown improvement over time, indicating effective policy-standard integration for China EV battery recycling.
Current Major Problems in the Standard System
Despite the progress, we have identified several challenges in the standard system for China EV battery recycling. These issues stem from the rapid evolution of the industry and the need for comprehensive coverage across the battery lifecycle. First, the standard system requires further refinement to adapt to new trends, such as the use of recycled materials, carbon footprint accounting, carbon labeling, restrictions on hazardous substances, residual life assessment, retirement criteria, and enterprise-level requirements for green factories, energy consumption, and safety. Currently, gaps exist in these areas, limiting the system’s ability to fully support the sustainable recycling of EV power batteries. For instance, the lack of standardized methods for calculating the carbon footprint of recycled products hinders efforts to meet international climate goals. The carbon footprint \(CF\) for a recycled China EV battery can be complex, involving multiple stages: $$CF = CF_p + CF_r + CF_t$$ where \(CF_p\) is the production footprint, \(CF_r\) is the recycling footprint, and \(CF_t\) is the transportation footprint. Without uniform standards, comparisons and improvements are challenging.
Second, the enforcement and implementation of existing standards face obstacles due to the absence of mandatory legal frameworks. While standards provide guidance, their voluntary nature may lead to uneven adoption across the industry, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises involved in EV power battery recycling. This results in inconsistencies in safety practices, environmental protection, and resource recovery efficiency. We estimate that the compliance rate \(C_r\) for key standards is around 70%, based on industry surveys, but this varies significantly by region and enterprise size. Enhancing enforcement mechanisms is crucial to elevate the overall standard of China EV battery recycling.
Third, international technical regulations, such as the EU Battery Regulation, pose challenges for Chinese enterprises. These regulations impose stringent requirements on supply chain due diligence, product carbon footprint, carbon labeling, hazardous substance restrictions, recycled material usage rates, waste battery collection rates, and material recycling efficiency. For example, the recycled material usage rate \(U_r\) is defined as: $$U_r = \frac{M_{rc}}{M_t} \times 100\%$$ where \(M_{rc}\) is the mass of recycled content and \(M_t\) is the total material mass. Meeting these international standards requires accelerated research and development in China EV battery recycling technologies. Additionally, international standardization bodies like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) are developing standards for cascade utilization, such as IEC PT63330, which may not align with domestic practices. This creates a need for harmonization to avoid trade barriers and ensure global competitiveness for EV power batteries from China.
In summary, the problems highlight the need for a more robust and adaptive standard system. Addressing these issues will require collaborative efforts among stakeholders to enhance the recycling of China EV batteries, ensuring they meet both domestic and international expectations.
Future Work Goals and Key Priorities
Looking ahead, we have set clear goals for improving the standard system for China EV battery recycling. Based on the lifecycle perspective and the principles of circular economy, our primary objective is to accelerate standard research and development, thereby enhancing the system to support governmental management, elevate industry recycling technologies, and establish efficient recycling processes. This will contribute to the healthy and sustainable development of the new energy vehicle industry, with a focus on EV power batteries. We outline the key priorities below, incorporating quantitative targets and formulas to guide implementation.
First, we aim to continuously improve the standard system by addressing gaps in areas such as low-carbon development, green practices, resource efficiency, safety, and informatization. For low-carbon aspects, we will develop standards for carbon emission accounting and product carbon footprint quantification for enterprises involved in recycling EV power batteries. The carbon emission \(CE\) for a recycling enterprise can be modeled as: $$CE = \sum (E_f \cdot EF_f) + \sum (P_p \cdot C_p)$$ where \(E_f\) is fossil fuel consumption, \(EF_f\) is the emission factor, \(P_p\) is process-related emissions, and \(C_p\) is the carbon intensity. We target a reduction in \(CE\) by 20% over the next five years through standardized practices. For green aspects, standards on hazardous substance restrictions and green factory requirements will be prioritized, aiming to minimize environmental impact. The hazardous substance concentration \(H_c\) should meet: $$H_c \leq H_{max}$$ where \(H_{max}\) is the maximum allowable limit set by standards. In resource efficiency, standards for recycled material usage rates and material recovery efficiency will be enhanced. The recovery efficiency \(\eta_r\) for valuable metals like lithium should exceed 95%, as per: $$\eta_r = \frac{M_{rec}}{M_{tot}} \times 100\%$$ where \(M_{rec}\) is the mass recovered and \(M_{tot}\) is the total mass available. Safety standards will focus on disassembly,破碎, and equipment facilities, with a goal to reduce accident rates by 15% annually. Informatization standards will explore lifecycle traceability and electronic labeling for EV power batteries, enabling data exchange and carbon footprint analysis. The traceability coverage \(T_c\) is targeted to reach 100% for all China EV batteries by 2030.
Second, we will strengthen the synergy between standards and policies by enhancing communication with policy-making departments. This involves aligning standard development with policy needs, particularly in key areas like traceability management and cascade utilization certification. We propose a coordination index \(CI\) to measure this synergy: $$CI = \frac{N_{sp}}{N_p} \times 100\%$$ where \(N_{sp}\) is the number of policies with standard references and \(N_p\) is the total number of policies. By increasing \(CI\) to over 80%, we can ensure that standards and policies mutually reinforce each other, facilitating the implementation of regulations for China EV battery recycling. This will help drive the industry toward resource intensification, operational规范化, and modernization of the industrial chain.
Third, we will promote the coordination between domestic and international standards and regulations. Given the global nature of the EV power battery market, we will actively participate in international standardization activities, such as those led by IEC, to stay updated on trends and contribute Chinese expertise. We aim to integrate advanced domestic practices into international standards, enhancing the influence of China in the global recycling landscape. For instance, we will work on aligning standards for cascade utilization with international norms, reducing compliance costs for enterprises. The international alignment rate \(IA\) can be defined as: $$IA = \frac{N_a}{N_i} \times 100\%$$ where \(N_a\) is the number of aligned standards and \(N_i\) is the total international standards. Targeting an \(IA\) of 70% by 2030 will support Chinese enterprises in expanding into international markets for EV power batteries.
In addition to these priorities, we will focus on practical implementation through pilot projects and stakeholder training. By establishing demonstration zones for China EV battery recycling, we can test and refine standards in real-world scenarios, ensuring they are practical and effective. We also recommend regular reviews and updates of the standard system to keep pace with technological advancements, such as innovations in battery chemistry and recycling processes for EV power batteries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our research on the standard system for China EV battery recycling reveals a well-established framework that has significantly contributed to the规范化 of the industry. The current system, comprising 16 standards across various fields, supports the safe and efficient recycling of EV power batteries, aligning with national policies to address environmental, resource, and climate challenges. However, we have identified areas for improvement, including gaps in standards for recycled materials, carbon management, safety, and international alignment. By focusing on future goals such as system enhancement, policy-standard synergy, and global coordination, we can overcome these challenges. We are confident that through continuous efforts, the standard system for China EV battery recycling will evolve to foster a circular economy, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure the sustainable development of the new energy vehicle sector. The formulas and tables presented in this article underscore the technical rigor required, and we encourage ongoing collaboration to advance the recycling of EV power batteries in China and beyond.