Kenyan recycling firm revives EV batteries, drives green transition

An increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) in Kenya are finding a second life, thanks to the innovative efforts of a local recycling firm. 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 issue of discarded batteries littering Kenya's landfills.

According to the National Environmental 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, playing a pivotal role in Kenya's low-carbon future.

"The battery is the most expensive part of an EV, often accounting for over 50 percent of the vehicle's cost," Kamau explained, as he worked on a broken-down electric car. Advanced diagnostic equipment sourced from China allows Qtron to restore batteries at a fraction of the cost, making EV ownership more affordable.

Kamau's passion for electronics began in childhood, watching his father repair radios and televisions. Today, he channels that passion into breathing new life into EV batteries. Qtron has refurbished over 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 like 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 technicians to replace damaged cells and extend the battery's life.

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

According to the state-owned Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Kenya's EV adoption is growing, with around 5,000 electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger, and commercial vehicles,

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo flagged EVs as a crucial solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation being a major contributor to air pollution. Kiptoo noted that while the high cost of new EV batteries has hindered widespread adoption, repairing and repurposing used batteries makes green transport more accessible.

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

Recycled batteries cost around 1,500 U.S. dollars on average, compared to up to 10,000 dollars for new ones, making them a popular choice for EV owners facing breakdowns, 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. Kibathi lauded advancements in Chinese EV battery technology, which have made addressing battery faults more manageable for owners like him.

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. The firm's efforts are a testament to the transformative power of local innovation and international collaboration in tackling global environmental challenges, Kamau concluded.