by ERG4ALL (Posted Tue, 25 Jun 2013 08:14:12 GMT)
Keep in mind that Lithium is an element. It is number 3 on the periodic chart, between Helium and Beryllium. Because it is an element, it cannot be broken down into anything smaller. Just like Iron (#26 on the chart) it can be recycled. As we all know iron combines with oxygen and becomes Iron oxide or rust. We put that in a blast furnace and drive off the oxygen and we can reuse iron to make steel. The same holds true for the lead in lead (#82) acid batteries. Ninety four percent of the lead in lead acid batteries are recycled in the U.S., and if you don't recycle the battery you will pay an extra "core" charge.
Now let's look at gasoline. Gasoline is a hydrocarbon molecule, not an element. Once it combines with oxygen it forms carbon dioxide (and some carbon monoxide) and water, all of which is lost to the atmosphere and cannot be recycled.
On top of that, at least in the 2011 LEAF the material used in the seats is made from old polyethylene water bottles. Nissan has paid particular attention to the recycling of the LEAF. I cannot remember the exact figure but if memory serves me it is over 90%.
Anyway, there are some facts for you. Ask what facts the naysayers have.
Keep in mind that Lithium is an element. It is number 3 on the periodic chart, between Helium and Beryllium. Because it is an element, it cannot be broken down into anything smaller. Just like Iron (#26 on the chart) it can be recycled. As we all know iron combines with oxygen and becomes Iron oxide or rust. We put that in a blast furnace and drive off the oxygen and we can reuse iron to make steel. The same holds true for the lead in lead (#82) acid batteries. Ninety four percent of the lead in lead acid batteries are recycled in the U.S., and if you don't recycle the battery you will pay an extra "core" charge.
Now let's look at gasoline. Gasoline is a hydrocarbon molecule, not an element. Once it combines with oxygen it forms carbon dioxide (and some carbon monoxide) and water, all of which is lost to the atmosphere and cannot be recycled.
On top of that, at least in the 2011 LEAF the material used in the seats is made from old polyethylene water bottles. Nissan has paid particular attention to the recycling of the LEAF. I cannot remember the exact figure but if memory serves me it is over 90%.
Anyway, there are some facts for you. Ask what facts the naysayers have.