Optimising the geospatial configuration of a future lithium ion battery recycling industry in the transition to electric vehicles and a circular economy

Viet Nguyen-Tien, Qiang Dai, Gavin D.J. Harper, Paul A. Anderson and Robert Elliott ()

Applied Energy, 2022, vol. 321, issue C, No S0306261922005943

Abstract: Rapid electrification of the transport system will generate substantial volumes of Lithium-ion-battery (LiB) waste as batteries reach their end-of-life. Much attention focuses on the recycling processes, neglecting a broader systemic view that considers the concentration of the costs and impacts associated with logistics and transportation. This paper provides an economic, environmental and geospatial analysis of a future LiB recycling industry in the UK. Hitherto, state-of-the-art assessment methods have evaluated life cycle impacts and costs but have not considered the geographical layer of the problem. This paper develops a GSC derived supply chain model for the UK electric vehicle and end-of-life vehicle battery industry. Considering both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recycling technologies, the optimisation process takes into account anticipated EV volumes, and, based on anticipated near-term technological evolution of LiBs, the evolution of the mix of battery cathodes in production, and presents a number of scenarios to show where LiB recycling facilities should ideally be geographically located. An economic and environmental assessment based on a customised EverBatt model is provided.

Keywords: Lithium-ion batteries; Electric vehicles; Circular economy; Recycle; Life cycle assessment; Supply chain; Material flow analysis; Transitions; Transition management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Working Paper: Optimising the geospatial configuration of a future lithium ion battery recycling industry in the transition to electric vehicles and a circular economy (2022)
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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119230

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