California Bill Requiring OEMs to Recycle EV Batteries Fails to Pass

The California Legislature opted not to pass Senate Bill (SB) 615, which would have required an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer to recycle its EV batteries that are no longer in use and pay for all expenses associated with ensuring the battery's proper end-of-life management. Governor Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed similar legislation in 2024.

Under SB 615, an automotive repairer that removes and comes into possession of an EV battery would be required try to repair, reuse, or remanufacture the battery if doing so is possible and cost effective. If repairing, reusing, or remanufacturing the battery is not possible or cost effective, the repairer would need to make sure the battery receives proper end-of-life management. The repairer could fulfill that obligation by notifying the OEM that there is a battery in need of end-of-life management. At that point, the OEM would need to fully fund the cost of collecting the battery.

Before meeting its demise in the State Assembly, SB 615 had passed 28-6 in the State Senate and by large margins in several State Assembly committees.

Click here to read SB 615 in its entirety. 

Click here to read Governor Newsom's official explanation for vetoing the similar bill in 2024.