Electric vehicle batteries are designed to be durable, reliable, and long-lasting, often capable of powering a vehicle for well over 100,000 miles. Still, like any battery, their long-term performance depends on how they’re used and maintained. By adopting a few simple habits, EV drivers can help preserve capacity and protect the overall health of the battery pack.

EV batteries naturally degrade over time, but the right charging routines, driving behaviours, and environmental considerations can slow this process significantly. 

Below, we outline the three most effective steps to keep your battery performing at its best.

3 Steps To Maintain Your Electric Vehicle Battery Life

1. Keep Your State of Charge Within a Healthy Range

Lithium-ion batteries last longest when they operate between 20% and 80% state of charge. Regularly charging to 100% or allowing the battery to run extremely low can place additional stress on the cells.

• Use scheduled charging to stop at 80% for daily driving.
• Reserve 100% charges for long journeys where you need the full range.
  This simple adjustment can noticeably improve long-term battery health.

2. Limit Frequent Rapid (DC) Fast Charging

Rapid chargers are incredibly convenient, but they generate more heat and place higher demand on the battery. Occasional use is fine, but relying on DC fast charging as your primary method can speed up degradation.

Whenever possible:

• Use slower AC charging at home or at work.
• Save rapid charging for road trips, emergencies, or occasional top-ups.

3. Protect Your EV From Extreme Temperatures

Heat is the biggest enemy of lithium-ion batteries. Very cold temperatures also reduce efficiency temporarily. To support the battery’s thermal management system:

• Park in the shade or a garage during hot weather.
• Pre-condition the battery before driving or charging in winter.
• Avoid charging immediately after long, hot drives, let the battery cool first.

These practices help your battery stay within its ideal temperature range, ensuring better performance and longer lifespan.

How To Dispose Of EV Batteries At The End Of Their Life

When an EV battery reaches the end of its usable life in a vehicle, it should never be thrown away or sent to landfill. EV batteries contain valuable materials, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper,  that can be recovered and recycled. Proper disposal is essential for both safety and environmental compliance.

Our professional team collects and transports EV batteries safely and in full compliance with regulations such as ADR. This waste is taken to licensed recycling facilities for safe repurposing.

Understanding ADR Driving for Battery Transport

Transporting lithium batteries, electric vehicle packs, and other hazardous materials isn’t as simple as loading and driving. These items can pose serious fire, chemical, and environmental risks if not handled correctly. That’s where the ADR licence comes in.

If you’ve ever wondered what an ADR licence is, and why it’s essential for drivers moving batteries or other dangerous goods, this guide breaks it down clearly.

What Does ADR Stand For?

ADR stands for “Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route”, or in English, the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.

This agreement, established under the United Nations, sets out strict safety regulations governing how hazardous materials must be packaged, labelled, loaded, and transported across Europe.

What Is an ADR Licence?

An ADR licence (also known as an ADR driver training certificate) is a legal qualification required for drivers who transport dangerous goods by road within the UK and EU.

The licence confirms that a driver has been professionally trained and certified to:

• Understand the hazards associated with the materials being transported
• Follow safe handling, packaging, and documentation protocols
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, such as leaks, fires, or collisions.

Without a valid ADR licence, it’s illegal to transport many classes of dangerous goods, including certain types of lithium batteries.

Why Batteries Fall Under ADR Regulations

Batteries, particularly lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-metal types, are classified as dangerous goods under ADR Class 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances).

This classification is due to:

• Fire risk: Lithium batteries can ignite if damaged or improperly packaged.
• Chemical hazard: Electrolytes inside can leak and react with moisture or air.
• Thermal runaway: A short circuit or overheating can cause cascading failure.

Because of these risks, transporting lithium batteries requires ADR compliance.

Types of ADR Training and Certificates

ADR training is modular, meaning drivers take courses tailored to the goods they carry. Common categories include:

Batteries are everywhere, from your smartphone and laptop to electric vehicles and solar storage systems. But one common question often arises: do batteries expire? 

The short answer is yes, all batteries have a limited lifespan, but how and why they degrade depends on their chemistry, usage, and storage conditions.

Understanding Battery Expiration

When we talk about a battery “expiring,” we don’t mean it suddenly stops working on a certain date. Instead, expiration refers to the gradual loss of capacity and chemical degradation that prevent the battery from holding or delivering charge effectively.

Manufacturers often mark an “expiration date” or “best before” period on disposable batteries to indicate when performance is expected to start declining. For rechargeable batteries, this concept translates into cycle life, the number of charge/discharge cycles before capacity drops significantly.

Types of Batteries and Their Lifespan

Different battery chemistries age in unique ways. Here’s how long common types typically last:

Why Battery Recycling Matters

Batteries power much of our modern world. From mobile phones and laptops to cars, electric vehicles, and industrial equipment, batteries are essential for everyday life. But when they reach the end of their life, they become a complex waste stream that must be handled responsibly.

Throwing batteries into general waste isn’t just unsafe — it’s illegal. Batteries can contain hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and lithium, which can pollute soil and water if not disposed of correctly. This is why battery recycling plays such a vital role in protecting both the environment and public health.

Environmental Benefits of Battery Recycling

One of the biggest reasons to recycle batteries is environmental protection. When batteries are sent to landfill, the metals and chemicals inside can leak, creating long-term contamination risks. Recycling prevents this by ensuring hazardous materials are treated safely.

Battery recycling also helps conserve natural resources. Metals such as cobalt, nickel, lead, and lithium can be recovered and reused, reducing the demand for new mining and lowering the environmental impact of raw material extraction.

Legal & Compliance Responsibilities

Businesses in the UK have a legal duty to dispose of batteries correctly under environmental legislation, including the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directives.

Failure to manage battery disposal correctly can result in fines, legal action, and reputational damage. Working with professional battery recycling companies ensures your business remains compliant, safe, and environmentally responsible.

Safety Risks of Improper Battery Disposal

Batteries — particularly lithium-ion batteries — can pose fire and explosion risks if handled incorrectly. Throwing them in general waste or storing them unsafely can cause serious incidents.

By using proper battery recycling services, businesses minimise these risks. Secure containers, professional handling, and licensed recycling facilities ensure batteries are stored and processed safely from start to finish.

Supporting the Circular Economy

Recycling batteries isn’t just about disposal — it’s about creating a sustainable future. Every time a battery is recycled, valuable materials are recovered and reintroduced into the supply chain. This reduces reliance on virgin resources and supports a circular economy, where waste becomes a resource rather than a problem.

For example, recycled lithium and cobalt from old batteries can be used to manufacture new electric vehicle batteries, reducing the need for environmentally damaging mining operations.

How Businesses Can Act Responsibly

Businesses play a crucial role in responsible battery management. Steps include:

• Providing designated battery recycling bins for staff or customers

• Partnering with licensed UK battery recycling companies for collections

• Safely storing used batteries in UN-approved containers

• Educating staff about the importance of proper battery disposal

By taking these actions, businesses not only stay compliant but also demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability.

Conclusion

The importance of recycling batteries cannot be overstated. From protecting the environment and conserving resources to ensuring compliance and reducing fire risks, the benefits are clear.

By working with trusted commercial battery recycling services, businesses across the UK can play their part in creating a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable future.