Conceptualizing a new circular economy feature – storing renewable electricity in batteries beyond EV end-of-life: the case of Slovenia

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to forecast the availability of used but operational electric vehicle (EV) batteries to integrate them into a circular economy concept of EVs' end-of-life (EOL) phase. Since EVs currently on the roads will become obsolete after 2030, this study focuses on the 2030–2040 period and links future renewable electricity production with the potential for storing it into used EVs' batteries. Even though battery capacity decreases by 80% or less, these batteries will remain operational and can still be seen as a valuable solution for storing peaks of renewable energy production beyond EV EOL.Design/methodology/approachStoring renewable electricity is gaining as much attention as increasing its production and share. However, storing it in new batteries can be expensive as well as material and energy-intensive; therefore, existing capacities should be considered. The use of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is among the most exciting concepts on how to achieve it. Since reduced battery capacity decreases car manufacturers' interest in battery reuse and recycling is environmentally hazardous, these batteries should be integrated into the future electricity storage system. Extending the life cycle of batteries from EVs beyond the EV's life cycle is identified as a potential solution for both BEVEOL and electricity storage.FindingsResults revealed a rise of photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants and an increasing number of EVs EOL that will have to be considered. It was forecasted that 6.27–7.22% of electricity from PV systems in scenario A (if EV lifetime is predicted to be 20 years) and 18.82–21.68% of electricity from PV systems in scenario B (if EV lifetime is predicted to be 20 years) could be stored in batteries. Storing electricity in EV batteries beyond EV EOL would significantly decrease the need for raw materials, increase energy system and EV sustainability performance simultaneously and enable leaner and more efficient electricity production and distribution network.Practical implicationsStoring electricity in used batteries would significantly decrease the need for primary materials as well as optimizing lean and efficient electricity production network.Originality/valueEnergy storage is one of the priorities of energy companies but can be expensive as well as material and energy-intensive. The use of BEV is among the most interesting concepts on how to achieve it, but they are considered only when in the use phase as vehicle to grid (V2G) concept. Because reduced battery capacity decreases the interest of car manufacturers to reuse batteries and recycling is environmentally risky, these batteries should be used for storing, especially renewable electricity peaks. Extending the life cycle of batteries beyond the EV's life cycle is identified as a potential solution for both BEV EOL and energy system sustainability, enabling more efficient energy management performance. The idea itself along with forecasting its potential is the main novelty of this paper.

A Dynamic Optimal Scheduling Strategy for Multi-Charging Scenarios of Plug-in-Electric Vehicles Over a Smart Grid

“…The emission reductions may be further aided by grid-enables vehicles (GVs), which are PEVs with a V2G feature. PEVs have been used as loads, energy sources, and energy storage in a smart power system with renewable energy sources [44]. In the past decade, scientists have considered many PEVs penetrations in the conventional power grid systems [45].…”

Firms' capabilities management for waste patents in a circular economy

“…Technological capabilities have been studied by several authors (Eisenhardt and Martin, 2000;Gabler et al, 2015;Georg et al, 1992;Kemp and Soete, 1992;Obrecht et al, 2021;Teece et al, 1997;Winn and Roome, 1993), and some scholars have highlighted the importance of technological and organisational capabilities in stimulating eco-innovations in firms (Horbach, 2008;Kesidou and Demirel, 2012;Wagner, 2007). In addition, the use of technological capability for the recovery and recycling of resources has highlighted the relevance of these capabilities for closing the material loops (Gitelman et al, 2019).…”

“…, 2015; Georg et al. , 1992; Kemp and Soete, 1992; Obrecht et al , 2021; Teece et al. , 1997; Winn and Roome, 1993), and some scholars have highlighted the importance of technological and organisational capabilities in stimulating eco-innovations in firms (Horbach, 2008; Kesidou and Demirel, 2012; Wagner, 2007).…”

Designing a Framework for Materials Flow by Integrating Circular Economy Principles with End-of-Life Management Strategies

“…To start from materials sourcing to design, tools including life cycle assessment, design for recycling, eco-design can be applied; from manufacturing to distribution and sales, tools including energy efficiency, reproducible and adaptable manufacturing, optimised packaging design can be considered; from consumption and use to collection and disposal, tools including eco-labelling, sharing, extended producer responsibility, take-back and trade-in systems can be used; from recycling and recovery to remanufacturing, tools including down cycling, energy recovery, up cycling, upgrading, maintenance and repair, and bio-based materials can be taken into account. On the other hand, the 3-R's (reduce, reuse and recycle) [28] is the basic strategy within EOL management [29], for example, the fashion brand H&M has started a project that blends around 20% of recycled fibres into new yarns to turn old clothes into new garments. There are several methods that can be used to support decision-making for product EOL strategy in different scenarios.…”