The operational environment for repurposing electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries for energy storage applications in the EU
Master’s thesis, 2023
The study is a master’s thesis of Nina McDougall from Aalto University, Finland.
Summary
In light of climate change, the transportation sector is undergoing a transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) powered by lithium-ion batteries. Effectively managing the end-of-life EV batteries in a sustainable manner is crucial, and recycling has traditionally been the preferred approach. However, higher-level circular strategies, such as repurposing, offer greater environmental benefits. Repurposing involves adapting a product for a different purpose, and repurposed batteries, in particular, have a lower carbon footprint and can meet the increasing demand for energy storage systems. These factors make repurposing an intriguing research topic.
The objective of this thesis is to define the operational environment for repurposing lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles for energy storage systems in the European Union (EU). The main aim is to identify the challenges and barriers that affect repurposing operations and explore potential solutions to overcome them. To accomplish these objectives, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 key stakeholders from the EU.
From these interviews, eight challenges impacting repurposing were identified. These challenges include the uncertain economic viability of second-life batteries, limited availability of electric vehicle batteries, insufficient battery information, safety concerns, regulatory gaps, and consumer preferences. The interview findings were supported by an extensive review of relevant literature. These challenges were further explored, and five common drivers were identified as essential factors for successful repurposing. These drivers encompass financial considerations, actions taken by car manufacturers, various factors guiding batteries towards recycling rather than repurposing, potential reputational risks associated with second-life batteries, and the influence of consumer behavior.
The research findings highlight the existence of diverse and complex challenges that affect repurposing operations. Furthermore, the limited availability of electric vehicle batteries, as well as the introduction of new battery designs for EVs, pose potential barriers to repurposing. The actions taken by car manufacturers strongly influence the success of repurposing initiatives, and economic aspects play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of second-life battery businesses.