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

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  • Nguyen-Tien, Viet
  • Dai, Qiang
  • Harper, Gavin D.J.
  • Anderson, Paul A.
  • Elliott, Robert J.R.

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Nguyen-Tien, Viet & Dai, Qiang & Harper, Gavin D.J. & Anderson, Paul A. & Elliott, Robert J.R., 2022. "Optimising the geospatial configuration of a future lithium ion battery recycling industry in the transition to electric vehicles and a circular economy," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 115263, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:115263
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    Cited by:

    1. Giovanna Gonzales-Calienes & Ben Yu & Farid Bensebaa, 2022. "Development of a Reverse Logistics Modeling for End-of-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries and Its Impact on Recycling Viability—A Case Study to Support End-of-Life Electric Vehicle Battery Strategy in Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-23, November.
    2. Lander, Laura & Tagnon, Chris & Nguyen-Tien, Viet & Kendrick, Emma & Elliott, Robert J.R. & Abbott, Andrew P. & Edge, Jacqueline S. & Offer, Gregory J., 2023. "Breaking it down: A techno-economic assessment of the impact of battery pack design on disassembly costs," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 331(C).
    3. Enci Wang & Jianyun Nie & Yuhan Wang, 2023. "Government Subsidy Strategies for the New Energy Vehicle Power Battery Recycling Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-18, January.
    4. Jiehui Yuan & Zhihong Liu & Ting Zhou & Xiaoming Tang & Juan Yuan & Wenli Yuan, 2023. "Sustainable Development of Lithium-Based New Energy in China from an Industry Chain Perspective: Risk Analysis and Policy Implications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-16, May.

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    Keywords

    lithium-ion-batteries; electric vehicles; circular economy; recycle; life cycle assessment; supply chain; material flow analysis; transitions; transition management; Life cycle assessment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns
    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General

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