BATTERY RECYCLING: UN EXAMINES LIFE CYCLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS
A United Nations working group has proposed a global method to measure the climate impact of vehicles across their full life cycle, from raw material extraction through to dismantling and recycling.
The draft resolution, now under review by the UNECE Working Party on Pollution and Energy (GRPE), aims to address a long-standing issue: current life cycle assessment methods vary widely, making results difficult to compare across manufacturers and powertrain types.
The proposed framework evaluates emissions at every stage, including material production, vehicle manufacturing, use, maintenance and end-of-life processing. It also accounts for the impact of repairs and servicing, noting that maintenance can meaningfully affect a vehicle’s overall carbon footprint.
Electric vehicle batteries are a key focus, with guidance on recycling, disposal and potential secondlife applications.
The resolution would be non-binding but is intended to guide governments and automakers toward more consistent reporting, as regulators and industry push for clearer, comparable data on vehicle emissions.
evrepairmag.com/15819387
BATTERY RECYCLING: UN EXAMINES LIFE CYCLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS
Canada’s push toward 75% electric vehicle sales by 2035 and 90% by 2040 is gaining momentum, supported by more than $97 million in new federal funding and a planned $2.3 billion EV Affordability Program. The funding, announced as part of the federal government’s Automotive Strategy, includes support for more than 8,000 new EV chargers, fleet modernization initiatives and education programs aimed at increasing awareness and adoption of zero-emission vehicles.
The strategy also introduces stronger greenhouse gas emissions standards, replacing the previous EV availability mandate with a framework focused on emissions outcomes.
For the collision repair and insurance sectors, the policy signals continued growth in EV volumes. Increased adoption is expected to drive demand for high-voltage repair capabilities, battery diagnostics and adherence to OEM repair procedures.
While the measures are part of a long-term plan, the direction is clear: EV adoption in Canada is accelerating, with corresponding implications for vehicle repair and appraisal.
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PLUGGED IN: BATTERY STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHES
Plug’n Drive and Call2Recycle Canada have launched a national education partnership to introduce electric vehicle battery recycling and stewardship into classrooms across the country.
The initiative will integrate battery-focused content into Plug’n Drive’s EV Awareness Student Learning Program, delivered in partnership with the Skills Council of Canada and aimed at students in Grades 7 through 12.
The expanded curriculum will include lessons on the full life cycle of EV batteries, from use and maintenance through to recycling and repurposing. Students will also be introduced to the “5Rs” pathways, including repair, remanufacturing and recycling, as part of a broader focus on circular economy principles.
The Skills Council of Canada is supporting the program by aligning battery stewardship education with workforce development priorities in skilled trades and clean technology sectors.
As EV adoption increases, the program aims to build early awareness of battery management and prepare the next generation for roles tied to electrification and vehicle repair.
evrepairmag.com/15815249
EVS ARE NO LONGER “EASY WRITE-OFFS”
Electric vehicles are beginning to shed one of their most persistent assumptions: rapid depreciation. New data from J.D. Power’s 2026 Canada ALG Residual Value Awards shows electrified vehicles are among the strongest performers for value retention in the Canadian market.
According to the analysis, 65.5 percent of awardwinning models include some form of electrification, with fully electric vehicles also gaining ground. Stronger residual values mean more EVs are clearing higher repair thresholds, reducing total losses and keeping more complex repairs in play.
For collision repair facilities and insurers, the shift has direct implications. Residual value is a key factor in repair-versus-replace decisions, and improved performance is increasing the likelihood that highvoltage vehicles will be repaired rather than written off.
Toyota and Lexus led the 2026 awards, supported by hybrid-heavy lineups, while fully electric models such as the Porsche Taycan and GMC Hummer EV also ranked among top performers.
The findings point to longer vehicle life cycles—and more advanced repairs—across the EV segment.
evrepairmag.com/15814737
COMING TOGETHER TO POWER EV EXCELLENCE
The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) and International Automotive Consulting (IAC) are collaborating to deliver electric vehicle (EV) training tailored specifically to the needs of the auto recycling sector.
As electrification continues to reshape the automotive landscape, recyclers are seeing a growing number of high-voltage vehicles entering their yards. The partnership is intended to help address that shift by providing practical, job-specific training focused on real-world handling, safety protocols and operational requirements unique to dismantling and recycling EVs.
OARA will support member engagement, communication and program accessibility, while IAC will lead the development and delivery of training designed for recyclers rather than traditional repair environments. “Together we are strengthening access to training that reflects the operational realities of today’s yards,” said Greg Aguilera.
“OARA is committed to supporting our members through the transition to electrification,” said Steve Fletcher, Ambassador and former Executive Director of OARA and the Automotive Recyclers of Canada. “This partnership ensures recyclers have access to relevant, practical resources as the sector continues to evolve.”
evrepairmag.com/15817272
MARKET SHIFT: CANADIANS WARMING TO CHINESE EVS
More Canadians are open to buying electric vehicles made in China, according to a new poll suggesting affordability is becoming a key driver in EV adoption.
A survey by Abacus Data for Clean Energy Canada found 35 per cent of Canadians would consider purchasing a Chinese-brand EV. Among those already open to EVs, that figure rises to 70 per cent.
Perceptions of quality are mixed but trending positive. Eighteen per cent of respondents view Chinese EVs as superior to current offerings, while 32 per cent see them as comparable. Twenty-one per cent consider them inferior, with the remainder unsure.
Younger Canadians show the highest level of interest, while regional trends align with existing EV adoption patterns.
For the collision repair sector, increased acceptance of Chinese EVs could introduce new considerations around parts sourcing, software systems and OEM repair procedures as more brands enter the Canadian market.
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