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Global sales of electric and hybrid vehicles continue to grow as emission legislation forces vehicle manufacturers to build cleaner vehicles, with some 8 million already in service. Hybrid and Electric vehicles contain some of the most complex systems ever used in the automotive field, sophisticated and unique electric hybrid systems are added to modern motor vehicles which are already quite complex. As these vehicles reach the end of their lives they will be processed by the global vehicle recycling industry and the high voltage components will be reused, recycled or re-purposed. This paper explores safe working practices for businesses involved in a global marketplace who are completing battery disabling, removal, disassembly, storage and shipping; includes the various technologies and safe working practices along with some of the legal restrictions on dismantling, storage and shipping of high voltage batteries around the world.

This paper will present, from the automotive recycler's point of view, the need for end-of-life consideration during the vehicle design phase. This paper describes the work of automotive recyclers and the importance of end-of-life issues so that the automobile can be efficiently and effectively recycled. It includes: Examples of practical vehicle design considerations. Availability of information for the recycler regarding the disassembly of vehicles. The importance of part interchange over a variety of models and years. Problems created in dismantling due to the use of environmentally hazardous materials. The importance of part/material value at the end of vehicle life. How design considerations will help ensure the industries viability, profitability and ability to effectively handle end-of-life vehicles. The need for automobile manufacturers and recyclers to work together to address end-of-life issues.