Sustainability for all? The challenges of predicting and managing the potential risks of end-of-life electric vehicles and their batteries in the Global South

Abstract

The transition from fossil-fuel-based internal combustion vehicles to electric vehicles plays a key role to decarbonize road transport and mitigate climate change. Even though this transition is still in its infancy, it is important to consider not only its environmental benefits but also its potential side effects. The current electric vehicle fleet is expected to increase from 2.4 million in 2020 to 81 million in 2050 (Slowik et al., How technology, recycling, and policy can mitigate supply risks to the long-term transition to zero-emission vehicles. International Council on Clean Transportation. https://theicct.org/publication/how-technology-recycling-andpolicy-can-mitigate-supply-risks-to-the-long-term-transition-to-zero-emission-vehicles. Accessed 14 Feb 2022, 2020), when more than half of all new cars sold are predicted to be battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). End-of-life (EOL) BEVs and their components (particularly the batteries) are far more challenging to manage than their fossil-fueled predecessors as they contain large amounts of chemical substances that constitute potential hazards to the environment and human health and safety. The paper discusses relevant topics for understanding future risks of transition to electric mobility in the Global South countries, which include the internationally used vehicle fluxes; waste management challenges for EoL BEV and its lithium-ion batteries (LIB); environmental and human health impacts of EoL LIBs disposal and policies and regulations for the e-vehicle life cycle. Recommendations to support the development of science-based policies to close regulation gaps of the used electric vehicle international trade flow, avoid pollution-shifting and guarantee a sustainable transition to e-mobility in the Global South countries are given. As a conclusion, an integrated approach from international and national stakeholders is fundamental to guarantee strong policies and regulations as well as to support the development of a sound management of EoL EV and LIBs in the Global South countries and help pave the way to a global circular economy.

Economic and Environmental Viability of Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling—Case Study in Two Canadian Regions with Different Energy Mixes

“…Furthermore, increased demand for LIBs is already putting a strain on the battery raw material supply chains and pressure on the market prices of these materials [2]. Even if there are numerous technologies and start-ups launched to address these challenges, current policies, R&D, and commercial solutions are moving at a slower pace [3,4]. These challenges are compounded by the multiplicity of battery technologies and battery material formulation [5][6][7][8].…”

“…However, these alternative battery technologies still face key challenges related to improvement, optimization, and design for EoL management that need further R&D [11]. International and national policies and regulations to address EoL LIB management are crucial to reduce the demand for further extraction of critical metals and foster a closed-loop system for EV LIBs [4]. We have recently published the potential of LIB recycling in Canada focusing on the upstream supply chain [13].…”

“…Recycling processing GHG emissions of precursor cathode active materials 3. Battery precursor cathode material and cathode active material production GHG emissions estimated using openLCA software 4. Mining, beneficiation, and refining of raw material GHG emissions in China obtained from EverBatt tool 5.…”

A Systematic Review of Battery Recycling Technologies: Advances, Challenges, and Future Prospects

“…Illegal dumping [76]: Lack of treatment options motivates illegal dumping of spent batteries, resulting in environmental contamination and resource losses. Strong regulations with compliance monitoring and enforcement are critical.…”