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The circular economy of electric vehicle batteries: a Finnish case study

Author

Listed:
  • Pasi Rönkkö

    (University of Oulu)

  • Jukka Majava

    (University of Oulu)

  • Tatu Hyvärinen

    (University of Oulu)

  • Ilari Oksanen

    (University of Oulu)

  • Pekka Tervonen

    (University of Oulu)

  • Ulla Lassi

    (University of Oulu)

Abstract

The automotive industry faces challenges because of the electrification of vehicles and the rapidly increasing need for electric vehicle batteries (EVBs). Raw materials availability is limited; however, there will also be a significant number of end-of-life (EOL) batteries. This creates various circular economy (CE) business opportunities for EVB manufacturers, third-party providers, and other stakeholders. However, not all CE solutions are sustainable or economically feasible. In this study, through the use of case studies, expert interviews, and a survey, we determined the current state of the EVB CE in Finland, the possible options for utilizing EOL vehicle batteries, and the greatest barriers for the EVB CE. We found that some EVB-related CE applications are not supported by the government and legislation, for example environmental regulations and building standards. CE opportunities include a shorter lead time for some components, which makes them attractive for EOL applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Pasi Rönkkö & Jukka Majava & Tatu Hyvärinen & Ilari Oksanen & Pekka Tervonen & Ulla Lassi, 2024. "The circular economy of electric vehicle batteries: a Finnish case study," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 44(1), pages 100-113, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:44:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s10669-023-09916-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-023-09916-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Walter R. Stahel, 2016. "The circular economy," Nature, Nature, vol. 531(7595), pages 435-438, March.
    2. Pasi Rönkkö & Sayed Mohammad Ayati & Jukka Majava, 2021. "Remanufacturing in the Heavy Vehicle Industry—Case Study of a Finnish Machine Manufacturer," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-15, October.
    3. Bertha Maya Sopha & Dwi Megah Purnamasari & Sholeh Ma’mun, 2022. "Barriers and Enablers of Circular Economy Implementation for Electric-Vehicle Batteries: From Systematic Literature Review to Conceptual Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-23, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wellten, Johan & Angelis, Jannis & Ribeiro da Silva, Elias, 2025. "Enabling a viable circular ecosystem for electric vehicle batteries," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).

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