Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Recycling and Reuse Working Group

An Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling and Reuse Working Group is established within the Hawaii State Energy Office to recommend how to maximize EV battery recycling, reuse, and repurposing and to develop end-of-life management practices for Hawaii. Co-chaired by the chief energy officer and director of health, it includes representatives from Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute and may add industry, utility, recycling, repair, environmental, and automotive stakeholders. The group must develop best management practice plans, coordinate with relevant entities in and outside Hawaii, and issue policy recommendations. A report to the legislature is due at least 20 days before the 2027 regular session. The report must analyze opportunities and barriers for reuse first, repurposing as stationary storage second, and recycling third (including out-of-state transport costs). It must also include best end-of-life practices; cost, safety, and environmental impacts of in-state versus out-of-state recycling; feasibility of recycling options outside the United States; feasibility of a Hawaii EV battery recycling program (costs, infrastructure, and enforcement); environmental effects of different practices; and other relevant factors. The working group will be dissolved on June 30, 2027.

(Reference House Bill 242, 2025)