Page 43 from: Recycling International free issue 3 2023
TECHNOLOLGY
43recyclinginternational.com | May/June | 2023
Ursem Barten (the official dealer of
Mitsubishi, Nissan and Hyundai at 14
different locations in The
Netherlands), was ahead of the game.
Today, it deals with hundreds of ...
Ursem Barten (the official dealer of
Mitsubishi, Nissan and Hyundai at 14
different locations in The
Netherlands), was ahead of the game.
Today, it deals with hundreds of EV
batteries per year. ‘Quite a step up
from one unit per month in 2017,’
Baltus laughs.
Indeed, over the last five years, the
capacity of end-of-life batteries com-
ing into EcarAccu’s workshop surged
from 10 kilowatts to 1 500 kilowatt
per month. Earnings rocketed from
roughly EUR 5 000 to almost EUR 1
million. At the same time, many indus-
try newcomers have come and gone.
‘They didn’t possess the required
technical expertise. Perhaps that’s a
good thing as this sector comes with
risks. We’re handling 400 to 800 volts
per unit so you have to know what
you’re doing.’
EcarAccu receives various types of
battery packs from EVs and disman-
tles and refurbishes them with a 98%
recycling percentage. ‘We transport
the steel, plastic and other metals to
the correct recycler. The remaining
cells are tested and then offered to
producers who can use them in a new
applications.’
The cells form the basis of a growing
list of battery-powered products and
can serve as a reliable medium for
energy storage. ‘Companies and con-
sumers are especially looking to col-
lect excess energy so it can be used
later. There are only so many peaks in
the grid, the need for energy differs a
lot from day to day.’
Baltus’ business is helping local com-
munities ‘go green’. For example, a
modular energy storage tower was
installed on a truck to power the
Flower Festival Parade in North
Holland this April. ‘Our system got the
fleet all the way from Haarlem to the
coast and back. A beautiful way to Jasper Baltus.
