Towards Circularity in Lithium-ion Battery Value Chains: Visions of a Repurposing Ecosystem for Electric Vehicle Batteries

Abstract

With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), a surge in first end-of-life (FEoL) lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) is expected to become available for either treatment or further use. Since recycling processes are currently insufficient to meet treatment demands in a sufficiently sustainable way, repurposing LiBs for less demanding applications, such as household energy storage systems (ESS), may offer significant economic and environmental benefits. This paper explores the potential for establishing circular value chains for LiBs, focusing on the ecosystem required for their repurposing. Key stakeholders in the value chain are identified, and examples from retail and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) perspectives are discussed. Barriers and opportunities for further development are briefly discussed, with recommendations for future research to ensure a robust, circular system for LiB repurposing.