Local conservationist James Atherton believes there is a need for policies for the disposal of electric vehicle batteries if there are not any.

A report launched when the government unveiled electric cars says the nation does not have any policies dealing with the disposal of hazardous and toxic lithium batteries.

The Climate Action Pathways for Island Transportation stated that as the transition to power supply by renewable energy and the decarbonisation of the transport sector gain momentum in Samoa, batteries will become a problem waste of concern in the future. It is important to take steps now the ensure that future financial, logistical, and environmental issues can be mitigated.

Atherton highlighted the importance of addressing this issue to ensure environmentally friendly disposal of EV batteries. 

"Is there no policy for disposing of EV batteries? If not, then there should be and the Government should develop it," he said.

"Overall EVs are good if they can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Samoa and help us move towards a lower carbon economy. However, I would be asking the government what the plan is to make the cost of EVs more competitive so that the public can afford to buy EVs. 

"This can be done via fiscal incentives- eg reduced or waived import duty or even cash rebates for people buying EVs which currently cost around double the cost of fossil fuel-powered vehicles in Samoa.  

"Other countries use these incentives to encourage the switch to EVs, and other greener technologies as well, such as solar power."

He also brings to attention the issue of EV charging infrastructure, questioning whether there will be enough charging stations in Upolu and Savaii. He is also concerned about the cost of charging an EV versus traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel. 

"A related issue is the charging infrastructure for EVs- when will there be enough charging stations around both islands and what will the cost of charging your EV versus petrol or diesel for the same distance travelled? 

"Probably the cost will be much lower but it is worth noting that electric power in Samoa is only 50% powered by renewables meaning that when you charge your EV there will still be GHG emissions until the percentage of renewable electric power in Samoa gets to 100% which may be many years away."

The report stated that with the ever-increasing use of batteries, the concern about disposing of them after they have served their useful life is becoming more prominent. 

"This situation becomes even more critical in Pacific Island countries that face challenges with the management of end-of-life materials in general, and the development of a circular economy," stated the report.

"Given the nature of the end-of-end-of-life batteries, it should be given attention to investing in tailored efforts aiming at improving the current management approaches of classified hazardous waste. Designing an end-of-life EV battery disposal solution should not stand out from the discussion of disposal activities that cover the entire spectrum of batteries."