Circular business models for electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries: An analysis of current practices of vehicle manufacturers and policies in the EU

Albertsen, Levke; Richter, Jessika Luth; Peck, Philip; Dalhammar, Carl; Plepys, Andrius

doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105658

Cited by 109 publications

(87 citation statements)

References 50 publications

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“…Thus, the conceptualization of structural tensions in the CE context goes beyond its classic understanding in innovation studies [18,32], which mainly focuses on imbalance situations caused by technological innovation and disruption at technological level. Looking at the reported case study, since the development and diffusion of lithium-ion batteries for EVs largely depend on the availability of minerals via circularity of materials and the development of CLSC models [2,10], the CE transition tensions are related to both the technological innovation and the operational capacity of actors. In some instances, actors are required to manage structural tensions that are not even directly related to their business, as they greatly depend on the performance of other actors along the supply chain.…”

Section: Managing Multi-level Structural Tensionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A numbers of studies on the development of circular material systems for EV batteries have recently emerged. Most of these are based on the principles of the CE, where the notion of CLSC takes centre stage (see e.g., [2,19,58,64]. From an operational perspective, for instance, some studies investigate the impact of actors' circular strategies in the development of a circular EV battery value chain [2], essential infrastructures for the EV battery CLSC [48], opportunities and challenges in adopting innovative business models that capture economic value from extending batteries' life cycle [56,57], and the strategic alignment of actors in the development of high-performance technologies for battery endof-life (EOL) management [46,54].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Most of these are based on the principles of the CE, where the notion of CLSC takes centre stage (see e.g., [2,19,58,64]. From an operational perspective, for instance, some studies investigate the impact of actors' circular strategies in the development of a circular EV battery value chain [2], essential infrastructures for the EV battery CLSC [48], opportunities and challenges in adopting innovative business models that capture economic value from extending batteries' life cycle [56,57], and the strategic alignment of actors in the development of high-performance technologies for battery endof-life (EOL) management [46,54]. Other studies discuss the influence of various actors on the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) to EVs tend to focus on a variety of aspects which influence the dynamics of technological change from a socio-technological standpoint.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Managing Structural Tensions in the Transition to the Circular Economy: the Case of Electric Vehicle Batteries

2022

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The circular economy (CE) has recently gained attention as a key transformative strategy. However, as with previous transformation processes, the transition towards the CE is not a smooth process since there are underlying structural tensions in incumbent systems that need to be overcome. One industry that is currently undergoing transformative pressure is the automobile industry where the transition to electric vehicles that use lithium-ion batteries is creating structural tensions. In this paper, we adopt a multi-actor perspective and analyze the strategies that different actors pursue to manage the structural tensions that are induced by the transition towards lithium-ion batteries with the goal of creating and sustaining a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) model. Through a case study of the key actors (mining firms, material manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers, and recyclers), we reveal the particularities of managing structural tensions which are influenced by temporal, spatial, and contextual factors. We demonstrate our claim by first expanding the application boundary of the concept of structural tensions to show the interconnection between strategic choices made by actors at operational and technological levels; and second, unfolding the dynamics of managing structural tensions in the CE transitions from a multi-actor perspective. The results of this study may support industrial actors to achieve a better understanding of the consequences of their short- and long-term CE transition strategies, and resolve conflicts in visions and priorities during the transition process.

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Section: Managing Multi-level Structural Tensionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Managing Structural Tensions in the Transition to the Circular Economy: the Case of Electric Vehicle Batteries

2022

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“…-validation and traceability of information on sourcing, responsible processes, and sustainability across the entire value chain. Circular business models for electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries [108] were investigated in a 2021 paper. Research covered 25 vehicle OEMs that sell, or have sold, electric vehicles in the EU.…”

Section: Battery Passportmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital Product Passports as Enabler of the Circular Economy

Walden

Steinbrecher

Marinkovic

2021

Chemie Ingenieur Technik

106

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Governments and corporations are increasingly adopting circular economy strategies to meet the need of decoupling growth from resource consumption. However, the world economy is far from being circular, with some of the reasons including lack of transparency, standardization, and data sharing. Digitalization can help overcome these challenges, thus making it a key enabler of the circular economy. This review looks at the concept of a digital product passport as a tool for implementing and scaling the circular economy. It discusses opportunities and challenges related to further development and adoption of digital product passports. Finally, it examines the battery passport, drafted in the EU Battery regulation, as one of the first examples of a digital product passport required by law.

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“…Battery degradation problems, such as capacity fading and internal resistance increasing, inevitably occur with time and use. These cause great trouble to users and manufacturers [2]. A clear understanding of how batteries age in EVs is urgently needed to: (i) optimize the battery materials, (ii) improve battery cell production, and (iii) guide the design of automotive battery systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lithium-Ion Battery Operation, Degradation, and Aging Mechanism in Electric Vehicles: An Overview

Guo

Pedersen

et al. 2021

Energies

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Understanding the aging mechanism for lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) is crucial for optimizing the battery operation in real-life applications. This article gives a systematic description of the LiBs aging in real-life electric vehicle (EV) applications. First, the characteristics of the common EVs and the lithium-ion chemistries used in these applications are described. The battery operation in EVs is then classified into three modes: charging, standby, and driving, which are subsequently described. Finally, the aging behavior of LiBs in the actual charging, standby, and driving modes are reviewed, and the influence of different working conditions are considered. The degradation mechanisms of cathode, electrolyte, and anode during those processes are also discussed. Thus, a systematic analysis of the aging mechanisms of LiBs in real-life EV applications is achieved, providing practical guidance, methods to prolong the battery life for users, battery designers, vehicle manufacturers, and material recovery companies.

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Circular business models for electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries: An analysis of current practices of vehicle manufacturers and policies in the EU

Cited by 109 publications

References 50 publications

Managing Structural Tensions in the Transition to the Circular Economy: the Case of Electric Vehicle Batteries

Managing Structural Tensions in the Transition to the Circular Economy: the Case of Electric Vehicle Batteries

Digital Product Passports as Enabler of the Circular Economy

Lithium-Ion Battery Operation, Degradation, and Aging Mechanism in Electric Vehicles: An Overview

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