Kenyan recycling firm revives EV batteries, drives green transition

NAIROBI — An increasing number of electric vehicles in Kenya are finding a second life, thanks to the innovative efforts of a local recycling company. By repurposing used batteries into affordable alternatives, Qtron Industries is accelerating the country's transition to green transport and renewable energy.

Qtron Industries, established in 2016, specializes in repairing and recycling batteries for vehicles and motorcycles. The company ventured into EV battery recycling to address the growing problem of discarded batteries littering Kenya's landfills.

According to the National Environment Management Authority, Kenya generates about 51,300 metric tons of e-waste annually. EV owners with faulty batteries were previously forced to discard entire packs, even when the issue was confined to a few cells.

At Qtron's workshop on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya's capital, technician Robert Kamau disassembles and refurbishes used batteries from hybrid and electric vehicles. These restored batteries are integrated into electric buses, motorbikes and charging infrastructure.

"The battery is the most expensive part of an EV, often accounting for over 50 percent of the vehicle's cost," Kamau said. Advanced diagnostic equipment sourced from China allows Qtron to restore batteries at a fraction of the cost, making EV ownership more affordable.

Qtron has refurbished more than 100 EV batteries to date, preventing them from ending up in landfills.

Kamau attributed the accessibility of battery repairs to Chinese technology and components from companies such as BYD. "Without Chinese technology, repair costs would be out of reach for most of our clients," he said, adding that innovations in Chinese EV battery technology enable the replacement of damaged cells and extend the battery's life.

Expanding operations

He revealed Qtron's plans to expand operations, spurred by government tax incentives. Locally developed innovations, such as fire suppression systems that safely eject overheating battery packs, have also bolstered Qtron's success.

According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya's EV adoption is growing, with about 5,000 EVs including passenger and commercial vehicles.

The agency's Director-General Daniel Kiptoo flagged EVs as a crucial solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While the high cost of new EV batteries has hindered widespread adoption, repairing and repurposing used batteries makes green transport more accessible, he said.

Kiptoo said EV batteries retain part of their original capacity after their automotive life cycle. These batteries can then be repurposed for solar and wind energy storage, offering a cost-effective solution for powering remote areas.

Recycled batteries cost around $1,500 on average, compared to up to $10,000 for new ones, Kiptoo added.

Paul Kamano, an EV owner, turned to Qtron Industries when his car broke down after two years of operation due to a battery malfunction. The affordability of refurbished batteries made restoring his vehicle feasible.

Similarly, Kenneth Kibathi also opted for a recycled battery when the cost of a new one proved prohibitive.

By giving EV batteries a second life, Qtron Industries is not only reducing e-waste but also driving Kenya's transition toward sustainable transport and energy solutions.

Xinhua