Innovative company uses game-changing method to address concerning issue with electric vehicle batteries — here's what's happening
The operation of an EV is much more eco-friendly than the operation of a gas-powered vehicle because EVs do not produce any tailpipe emissions, so they do not add to the air pollution that contributes to the warming of the planet. Switching from a gas-powered car to an EV is an excellent way to decrease your negative impact on the environment.
That being said, the EV battery manufacturing process is often criticized for its environmental challenges, as it is the most polluting part of making an EV.
Solvents are used during the production of EVs and their batteries and are a necessary part of the process due to their ability to dissolve dirt and evaporate quickly. They are a key component of the lithium-ion batteries that EVs use.
Solvents are often incinerated directly after use, creating three times more carbon emissions compared to when they are recycled.
Thailand's Sun-up Recycling specializes in solvent recycling. According to CEO Siamnat Panassorn, one of the industry's challenges is to retrieve solvents from used EV batteries and reuse them to produce new batteries, a process that they are trying to improve and expand, per Reccessary.
Sun-up Recycling's process involves a unique distillation technology that separates mixtures in waste solvents and purifies them, Recessary reported. The result is a recycled solvent that is 99% pure. The recovery rate, or amount of reusable material, is 80-95%. They find that using recycled solvents can reduce carbon emissions produced during battery manufacturing by about 77%.
The recycled solvents function almost identically to new solvents and save customers money because they no longer need to purchase new ones.
Solvent recycling is a key component of Thailand's Bio, Circular, Green (BCG) policy. Introduced in 2021, the government policy encourages manufacturing industries to invest in new technologies that add value to products without increasing the negative effect they have on the environment.
Panassorm has observed that the pressure for the EV manufacturing industry to reduce its environmental impact has increased over time, per Recessary.
Luckily, the process is improving. Sun-up Recycling is projecting a 10% revenue growth this year and contributes some of that money to solvent recycling technology. Panassorm hopes to expand to international markets so more customers — and the environment — can benefit from the process.
When you think about owning an EV, what concerns you most about public charging stations?
Chargers not working
Chargers not being available
Charging being too expensive
Charging taking too long
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Entrepreneur
3 hours ago
- Entrepreneur
Smart Mobility Maker
Since its inception, Alt Mobility has experienced rapid growth, deploying over 13,000 EVs and operating in more than 30 cities. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. When Dev Arora co-founded Alt Mobility in 2022, he had a clear goal in mind: to make electric mobility more accessible and practical for India's expanding transportation landscape. With his experience in startup innovation and a keen sense for market opportunities, Arora recognised that one of the biggest hurdles to EV adoption wasn't the technology—it was financing. "Traditional lenders weren't built for the EV revolution," Arora, Co-founder and CEO of Alt Mobility, explained. "We needed to develop a new model, one that caters to both businesses and everyday drivers." This new approach led to the creation of Alt Mobility—an EV leasing and asset management platform that goes beyond just providing vehicles. The startup has built a comprehensive ecosystem that includes maintenance, servicing, roadside assistance, and access to an extensive charging and service network. Since its inception, Alt Mobility has experienced rapid growth, deploying over 13,000 EVs and operating in more than 30 cities. With an asset under management (AUM) exceeding INR 250 crore, it now caters to both commercial fleets and individual drivers, offering flexible and cost-effective leasing solutions. "For many people, purchasing an EV feels risky," Arora noted. "We eliminate that uncertainty by providing all-inclusive plans that cover service, warranty, insurance, and even 24/7 support." At the core of Alt's offerings is its proprietary FleetOS platform, which utilises AI, IoT, and telematics to monitor vehicle health, track usage, and ensure proactive maintenance. This not only prolongs the life of the vehicles but also maximises uptime—essential for businesses that depend on having vehicles ready for revenue generation. What sets Alt Mobility apart is its Drive-to-Own model, which enables drivers to gradually shift from leasing to ownership. This approach has been particularly beneficial for individuals who lack access to traditional financing, fostering economic empowerment and long-term asset creation. "Ownership is a powerful thing, especially for those working to build their livelihoods," Arora emphasised. "We aimed to create a pathway that makes that possible." Scaling the business definitely came with its challenges. Getting customers on board with a new approach to owning and managing vehicles meant we had to focus on education and building trust. "Alt tackled this by blending innovation with robust support systems and forming partnerships throughout the EV value chain—from manufacturers to charging networks," he explained. Looking to the future, Dev sees opportunities to branch out into four-wheeled cargo vehicles and electric buses, strengthening their foothold in key markets across India and playing a crucial role in the nation's shift towards clean mobility. "The future of transportation in India is electric. We're committed to fostering a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future for India's mobility landscape," he added. Facts:
USA Today
6 hours ago
- USA Today
Want to buy an electric car or truck? What to know before tax credits expire Sept. 30
A brand new, out-of-the blue Sept. 30 deadline to buy an EV could be easy to miss, given all the quirky details packed into the nearly 900-page mega tax bill. But automakers aren't about to let that happen. An email sent by Telsa says: "Order soon to get your $7,500." "You can get $7,500 off a qualifying Tesla vehicle at delivery with the federal tax credit, which will now expire on September 30, 2025," the email stated. You must take delivery on or before Sept. 30 to be eligible. Sales of electric cars and trucks, including plug-in hybrids, could be scorching hot at the end of summer, according to industry analysts, as buyers hear more promotions about why they absolutely must lock in lucrative clean vehicle tax credits that expire under what has been called the 'one, big, beautiful bill.' A lucrative loophole on leasing EVs ends Sept. 30, too. A clean vehicle tax credit that's up to $4,000 for eligible used electric vehicles also expires Sept. 30. Don't kid yourself. Not every tax filer will qualify for the credit when buying a clean vehicle. The make and model and the MSRP matter. So does your income. The credits do not apply to every package offered on some electric car or truck or plug-in hybrid models. The availability of the credit for those who buy will depend on several factors, including the vehicle's MSRP, its final assembly location, the sourcing of the critical minerals and components in the battery, and your modified adjusted gross income. Included in the footnotes for the Tesla email: "Consult a tax professional. Not all buyers, vehicles or financing options will qualify. Terms and conditions apply." What vehicles qualify for the EV tax credit? Check out the details at to search for eligible vehicles. Independent websites, such as Edmunds, also list cars and trucks that are eligible for the federal EV tax credit. Some 2025 vehicles that could qualify for a $7,500 credit when you're buying the vehicle, according to the list, are: the Ford F-150 Lightning Flash Trim, as well as Lariat and XLT trims; the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S; the 2025 Tesla Cybertruck dual motor, long range and single motor; various models of the 2025 Tesla Model 3, Model X and Model Y; the Cadillac Lyriq and Optic; the Chevy Blazer EV, the Chevy Equinox EV, and the Chevy Silverado EV. Among these models, though, you're limited to a vehicle with an MSRP of $80,000. Ask the dealer whether the specific car or truck you're buying qualifies. Not every version of a model listed on the website qualifies. For a consumer to qualify for a clean vehicle credit, the manufacturer suggested retail price can't exceed $80,000 for vans, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks. It cannot exceed $55,000 for other vehicles. What are the income limits for an EV tax credit? Higher income households won't qualify for the credit when buying an EV. Your modified adjusted gross income may not exceed $300,000 for married couples filing jointly; $225,000 for heads of households; and $150,000 for all other filers. You can use your modified AGI from the year you take delivery of the vehicle or the year before, whichever is less, according to the Internal Revenue Service. If your modified AGI is below the threshold in one of the two years, you can claim the credit. The EV or plug-in hybrid must be bought for your own use, not for resale. You must use it primarily in the United States. More: Gamblers will pay more taxes in 2026 and beyond when Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' hits More: Taxes on Social Security benefits were not eliminated despite what you've heard Why many drivers are opting to lease EVs The bulk of EVs these days are leased — and for good reason when it comes to the complicated tax credit. A loophole in the tax credit, which was part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, gave dealers an edge for promoting attractive leases for new EVs and plug-in hybrids, especially as many new clean vehicles were introduced. The driver cannot claim the clean vehicle tax credit in this case but can likely benefit from a better lease deal. It's one way many are finding lower monthly payments for higher priced vehicles, too. Leased electric vehicles are classified as "commercial vehicles," which means that they're eligible for the full federal clean vehicle credit without meeting strict battery and sourcing requirements. So, you might be able to lease an EV that wouldn't qualify for any credit at all if you bought it. In these cases, the tax credit belongs to the leasing company, often the automaker's captive finance arm. Some or all of that savings could be passed along to the buyer through a well-positioned lease deal. Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive, told the Detroit Free Press that dealers are likely to feature attractive lease deals in the next two and a half months before the Sept. 30 deadline hits, which puts an end to the leasing loophole. She noted that only about 20 electric and plug-in hybrid models are eligible for the clean vehicle credit of up to $7,500 for consumers. Thanks to the EV leasing loophole, she explained, virtually any EV — regardless of price or country of origin — can qualify for the commercial clean vehicle tax credit, making it far more accessible than the consumer EV credit. The consumer who opts to lease the EV doesn't have to worry about any income limits affecting whether you qualify for the clean vehicle credit, she noted. And the leasing loophole gets around MSRP requirements or where batteries are produced or components are sourced. In April, 60% of all new EV transactions were lease deals, according to Cox Automotive data. Ivan Drury, director of insights at Edmunds, said almost all offers involving leasing are going to be the most favorable deals, given that they allow for more vehicles to benefit from tax breaks regardless of assembly location or battery sourcing requirements. Automakers and dealers already are having trouble moving EVs off the lot now, Drury said. "EVs went from some of the hottest products on the market back in 2022 to sitting on the lot for months on end, and it has been this way for nearly two years," Drury said. Selling EVs could get even tougher once the clean vehicle tax credit disappears. "Any reduction in incentives could lead to further issues once the tax credit deadline approaches, especially since many automakers have incentives stacked on top of the tax credit — with the tax credit doing most of the heavy lifting," Drury said. It is hard to say what happens beginning in October. Will automakers move so many EVs off lots by Sept. 30 that they no longer need to offer super-deep discounts? Or will brands with bloated EV inventories now still need to offer really good deals to unload metal in the fall? Drury said in some cases it might be possible to see current inventories reduced to a more manageable volume, especially as 2026 model year planning and forecasting will take into account reduced sales. "This could easily make the next few months one of the best and last times to score a deal on an EV," Drury said. Valdez Streaty, at Cox Automotive, expects solid growth in EV sales in the third quarter, as buyers act ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline for the expiring tax credit. Not surprisingly, she predicts that EV sales then will drop off in the fourth quarter, as the electric vehicle market adjusts to a new reality where buyers no longer receive federal tax breaks. Some states, like Colorado, currently offer tax breaks for EV purchases. But even Colorado's smaller tax break is set to be reduced as of Jan. 1, 2026. EV sales in the second quarter were down 6.3% year over year, according to a report issued July 14 by the Cox Automotive Kelley Blue Book team. Some of that decline is attributed to some buyers who rushed ahead to buy in the first quarter, as many anticipated that President Donald Trump would ultimately put end to EV tax credits for consumers. During the second quarter, consumers bought 310,839 new EVs in the United States, down from 331,853 in the same period in 2024, according to the well-known provider of information about the value of new and used cars. Total EV sales through the first half of 2025 set a record at 607,089, up 1.5% year-over-year, according to Cox Automotive Kelley Blue Book. Right now, buyers are looking at healthy inventories for EVs and strong sales incentives, according to experts. Ford Motor Co., for example, has extended a program called the "Ford Power Promise" that offers a free home charger and complimentary standard installation until Sept. 30. The offer applies to the purchase or lease of a new Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E or E-Transit Cargo Van. More: Ford's latest sale may be just the start in a summer of car-buying deals, experts say One doesn't have to look far to find some sort of deal on EVs. "Manufacturers and dealers are using this opportunity to create a sense of urgency to buy now while this (tax) incentive is still in place," Valdez Streaty said. Overall, sales incentives on EVs in the second quarter were more than 10% of the average transaction price. In June, average EV incentives from manufacturers reached an all-time high of 14.8% of average transaction prices, hitting nearly $8,500, according to Kelley Blue Book. These incentives are in addition to any available tax credit. In June, the average transaction price was $56,910 for a new EV, according to Kelley Blue Book. Todd Szott, whose family owns dealerships in Michigan, said more buyers are getting motivated to shop for EVs by the Sept. 30 deadline. The dealership is promoting several lease deals, including $329 a month for 24 months on a 2025 Dodge Charger R/T and $299 a month for 24 months for a 2024 Wrangler, 4-door Sport 4xe. The dealership is also promoting a $399 a month lease for 36 months on a 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E. All lease deals are plus sales tax and state fees, and the first payment is due at signing. Almost all the dealership's customers lease electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, Szott said. "The federal tax credit goes to the leasing company and is passed on to the customer in the form of a great lease deal," Szott said. He noted that more makes and models qualify for the federal tax credit through leasing because the qualifications to get the credit through leasing are less stringent. Many drivers also benefit from leasing, he said, because EV and PHEV technology will improve and change in three years, so leasing for about three years makes sense. He sells Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Toyota vehicles through Szott Auto Group in White Lake, Highland Township, Holly, Waterford and New Hudson. More: Ford's latest sale may be just the start in a summer of car-buying deals, experts say Some tips for car shopping now If you're tempted to buy or lease to beat the Sept. 30 deadline, experts say do your research and figure out your options now. If you plan to buy, talk to your bank or credit union and see what kind of interest rate on a car loan you'd qualify to get. Pushing anything to the last minute can cause processing errors, warns Mike Mader, Baker Tilly's dealership industry practice leader. And paperwork is key if you're buying an EV and expecting a tax credit. Remember, you cannot claim a federal income tax credit on your tax return if you lease the EV. Don't think things will just magically work out at tax time. Some taxpayers faced enormous headaches this year when dealing with the credit on their 2024 tax returns filed this year. The federal government notes that Clean Vehicle Tax Credits must be initiated and approved at the time of sale. Buyers should obtain a copy of the confirmation from the Internal Revenue Service that a 'time-of-sale' report was submitted successfully by the dealer. The IRS has an online portal for dealers to submit time of sale reports for EVs sold. Dealers must submit time-of-sale reports within a three-day period. The National Automobile Dealers Association told the Detroit Free Press that some earlier tax glitches have been worked out. 'NADA worked with the IRS to resolve the systemic issues with the portal earlier this year and those fixes have remained successful,' according to NADA spokesperson Amy Wright. 'Anecdotally, some dealers have reported an occasional, individual problem, but that should not deter consumers from purchasing an EV. There is no reason to believe there will be upcoming problems.' Many dealers, Wright said, offer the $7,500 credit at the time of purchase and that will remain unchanged until Sept. 30. The buyer can choose to take the credit upfront or claim it later on their tax return. You need the proper paperwork in either case. While a bit more than two months isn't a long lead time, the NADA said it was able to help secure a longer phaseout of the tax incentive through Sept. 30 instead of seeing the credit hit a dead stop even earlier. Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@ Follow her on X @tompor.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Aussies erupt over new $363 per year tax hit
There are fears that electric vehicle (EV) sales could be affected if a road-user charge (RUC) is introduced to level the playing field with other cars. At the moment, EVs don't attract a tax for using Aussie roads like those in internal combustion engines (ICE). But ahead of the government's economic roundtable, there have been calls for EV drivers to pay their fair share with a brand new levy designed just for them. Electric Vehicle Council's (EVC) head of legal, policy and advocacy, Aman Gaur, told Yahoo Finance it doesn't make any sense to him why Australia would go down this path. "The simple principle around taxes is that you tax the things you don't want to see, like smoking or alcohol," he said. "Why are we taxing something that is actually trying to make Australia and the country safer from climate change? It just seems very counterintuitive." RELATED Major EV warning as true battery range for big brands like Tesla and BYD exposed ATO $2,548 tax refund cash boost for 2.6 million Aussies Hidden $3,000 per year cost of cashless revolt as record number of banknotes hoarded Why is a road-user charge being considered for EVs? Those in ICE vehicles have to pay an excise on fuel at the moment, which goes to the federal government as general revenue and can be used to fund transport infrastructure. It raises around $17 billion a year, but that revenue stream could start to go on a downward trend if more people buy EVs and don't pay a RUC. According to the Australian Automobile Association, one in 10 cars sold in the June quarter in Australia was an EV, which is a new record. The EVC said a RUC for electric cars shouldn't be introduced until that statistic hits at least three in 10 vehicles sold. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged there needed to be a shakeup in the system to account for the rise of battery-powered vehicles. 'We need money to ensure that roads are adequate, and that is a long-held belief,' he said this week. 'What we need to do is to work those issues through and to come up with a realistic plan that can be implemented. And we'll await those discussions.'How would a road-user charge work? That hasn't been hashed out yet, and will form part of the discussions at next week's productivity and economic roundtable. 'We haven't settled on a model or on timing when it comes to that change, but clearly a government of either political persuasion will need to make changes there because the excise take on petrol will come down as petrol vehicles exit the fleet," Treasurer Jim Chalmers said this week. He added "people shouldn't anticipate that there will be a change very soon". Instead of EVs having their own type of RUC, Gaur told Yahoo Finance there should be a universal road tax applied to every vehicle. This was supported by EV motoring expert Toby Hagon, who said electric car drivers needed to start paying their way, but not with their own unique levy. "I'm not sure why we would treat EVs any differently to any other car on the road; we should be taxing them all equally," he told Yahoo Finance. "Don't just single out EVs or hybrids or plug-in hybrids. Apply a road user charge across the board and get rid of fuel excess. It seems like a logical way to do it." Hagon suggested a possible RUC scenario of 3 cents per kilometre driven. The latest data found the average Aussie drives around 12,100 kilometres per year, meaning EV motorists could be paying around $363 each year under Hagon's prediction. Comparatively, the fuel excise is currently 51.6 cents per litre of petrol or diesel, and, according to Compare the Market data from last year, a typical household pays around $3,200 a year in petrol or diesel. Would people stop buying EVs if they had to pay an RUC? A poll of more than 2,500 Yahoo Finance readers found 64 per cent would avoid buying an EV if they had to pay for a road tax. But Hagon said an RUC should not influence a person's decision-making if they're looking for a new car. "The running cost of an EV is so much lower than $363 a year, so it's not going to be the determining factor of whether someone buys an EV or not," he said. When you compare that $3,200 per year cost for ICE car drivers, an EV owner is typically only paying around $701 per year for charging. Gaur said there is a much bigger potential cost than a possible $363 yearly charge to contemplate. "To the person who's thinking about their next car, think about your children, think about your own lifestyle, and what is the best way to keep Australia safe from the effects of climate change," he said. Scott Maynard, the Australian boss of Swedish EV maker Polestar, said Australia needs to make sure that whatever direction it goes in with an RUC that it makes sense for everyone. 'Driving is an essential activity, so it's important the government has a clear understanding of what it would be seeking to achieve with a road user charge," he said. "Only when we understand that question can a framework be developed, and commentary applied. 'I don't think any driver, electric or otherwise, will have an issue with a road user charge system to replace fuel excise as long as it is fair and equitable."Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
