Assessing batteries supply chain networks for low impact vehicles

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate different logistics configuration to deliver batteries from the supplier to the production lines of a European carmaker who is implementing new propulsions for its models. Design/methodology/approach Several scenarios about the supply chain for traction batteries have been identified based on the company’s requirements and constraints. Then, the variables used for the assessment of each scenario have been selected to calculate the unit battery supply chain cost. Findings The results underline that a direct transport without intermediate nodes is the cheapest one. On the contrary, an additional warehouse makes the organization of the network more complex. However, with this configuration, it is possible to cover the risk of supply since that a certain level of inventory is always guaranteed. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the analysis of only one model car, and just manual operations have been taken into account for computing the human resource time and cost. The present study is one of the first works exploring the organization of the supply chain for the batteries integrated in electric and hybrid vehicles together with the choice of the location of the related warehouses. Originality/value This paper is one of the first work on the assessment of batteries’ supply chain that are going to be integrated in low impact vehicles, focusing on location of the associated warehouse. The evaluation is carried out by taking into account all the sources of cost.

Fun to drive? The dynamics of car manufacturers' differentiation strategies

“…Car manufacturers protect ICE vehicle differentiations of, for example, engines with intellectual property rights. EV components, such as batteries, are mainly purchased by car manufacturers today (Dunn, Gaines, Kelly, James, et al, 2015; Rafele, Mangano, Cagliano, & Carlin, 2020). Thus, intellectual property rights are, to a greater extent, held by partners.…”

Digital battery passports to enable circular and sustainable value chains: conceptualization and use cases

“…Thus, the implementation of DBPs are currently discussed and pursued (Circular Economy Initiative Deutschland, 2020;World Economic Forum, 2019). In particular EVBs came into focus because they often contain critical raw materials, such as lithium, natural graphite and cobalt (Mayyas et al, 2019;Rafele et al, 2020;Stampatori et al, 2020). Such materials are in general sourced in countries, such as Chile, DR Congo, and China (Olivetti et al, 2017).…”

“…Such materials are in general sourced in countries, such as Chile, DR Congo, and China (Olivetti et al, 2017). As a result, they are perceived as "critical" from an European perspective (Mayyas et al, 2019;Rafele et al, 2020;Stampatori et al, 2020); in particular because EVB production volumes are projected to increase in the upcoming years due to policymakers' push of powertrain electrification for road transport decarbonization purposes (Rafele et al, 2020;Stampatori et al, 2020). However, for DBPs to resume a role as enablers of sustainable and circular EVB value chains, thus more sustainable and circular EVBs, they need to contain appropriate data, which allows DBP users to derive meaningful information for respective decision-making support purposes (cf.…”

“…Allowing publications written in the German language was justified to gain additional access to automotive-related references due to Germany accounting to one of the leading automotive producing economies in the world (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie, 2020). Publications were not excluded based on their geographical context due to the global character of battery value chains (Rafele et al, 2020). In addition, publications in form of peer-reviewed journal articles (e.g., research articles, review papers, conceptual papers), and grey literature (e.g., pre-prints, PhD's theses, reports, conference contributions, product specification sheets) were considered.…”

Classifying healthcare warehouses according to their performance. A Cluster Analysis-based approach

“…In this perspective, the present work is a preliminary contribution for more easily implementing the warehouse centralization strategy, which is actually already exploited in many industrial sectors, including new-born ones. As a matter of fact, the centralization of the warehouses for electric vehicle batteries is a phenomena that can be clearly observed (Rafele et al. , 2020).…”