The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has highlighted the main issue arising from the growing popularity of electric vehicles in Kazakhstan: the challenges associated with battery disposal. While there are no definitive statements regarding plans to introduce a recycling fee for electric vehicles, the ministry emphasized that such fees already exist in neighboring countries. More details will be shared on Tengri Auto.
The ministry reported that over the past four years, the number of electric cars on Kazakhstan's roads has increased 15-fold, currently totaling 11,706 electric vehicles. There are approximately 426 charging stations across the country.
Electric vehicles are considered more environmentally friendly compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, as they do not emit harmful exhaust gases during operation. However, as noted by the Ministry of Ecology, despite their advantages, a significant challenge remains the disposal of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.
"The primary reason for the increase in the number of electric vehicles in Kazakhstan is the absence of a recycling fee, customs duties, and value-added tax. It should be noted that neighboring countries have introduced recycling fees for electric vehicles," the ministry stated.
The ministry acknowledged that the development of electric mobility and electric vehicles in Kazakhstan is an important step towards an environmentally friendly and technologically advanced future. For this, it is essential to create infrastructure not only for electric vehicles but also for the safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries, thereby reducing environmental harm and effectively utilizing resources.
According to international experts, the intensification of the battery disposal process is expected in 2030, when the service life of the first imported electric vehicle batteries will expire.
Currently, the ministry is analyzing and studying global practices for the disposal of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. The government aims to attract investors for the construction of a battery recycling plant in Kazakhstan.
"Two meetings have been held under the chairmanship of the minister with the Canadian company UPTOWN Venture Capital, which has expressed interest in building a lithium-ion battery recycling plant. Lithium-ion batteries require special care. They should not be thrown into general waste bins due to the risk of ignition. They must be taken to specialized disposal points where professionals can safely disassemble them and extract valuable materials such as lithium and cobalt. From there, these materials are sent for recycling to be used in new batteries.
In this regard, the implementation of this project is important for us: it will allow us to develop rules for the disposal of lithium-ion batteries, taking into account international experience in extracting secondary raw materials: lithium, cadmium, cobalt, and other valuable metals," the ministry explained.
It is worth noting that there is currently a plant in Almaty that processes lithium-ion batteries. It can process up to 500 tons per year. Kazakhstan likely needs larger-scale operations.
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