Reuse Over Recyling - Automotive Circularity

It’s time for us to rethink how we make and use things. This isn't a new idea - in previous generations, everyday people knew the value of reuse and repair. Today, this wisdom about resourcefulness has new urgency.

While people often talk about recycling materials, true efficiency means keeping products and subassemblies in use longer, before breaking them down into their raw materials for recycling.

The Case for Reuse

Switching to electric vehicles is key to cutting transportation emissions—but how we make that switch matters.

Our recent analysis shows that converting an existing vehicle to electric can produce up to 93% less carbon than building a new EV from scratch - the majority comes from the use of a second life EV battery.

A converted vehicle offsets its conversion emissions in just 2.5 months of driving, compared to roughly 1.5 years for a new EV. This means that battery reuse is a fast and efficient solution for lowering carbon footprints.

It’s not just about emissions. Every car already on the road represents raw materials, energy, and manufacturing effort. By preserving these resources, we avoid creating unnecessary waste.

In a landscape focused on new EV sales, component reuse and EV conversions offer an alternative path that supports a circular economy, reduces resource demand, and benefits climate initiatives.

The most sustainable EV might not be a brand-new one—it might be the one you already own, updated for a cleaner future.