Sustainability, Resource Efficiency, and Recyclability in EV Battery Supply Chains: An Exploratory Study of Challenges and Key Enablers

The development of electro-mobility has been a primary cornerstone for many countries to reduce carbon emissions and increase the quality of life in cities. The battery, specifically the lithium-ion battery, is one of the most vital components of an electric vehicle. However, the availability and sourcing of essential rare materials used in EV battery production present considerable challenges due to their limited quantity and potential environmental challenges. Using exploratory research of a leading EV producer, we study the drivers, enablers, and barriers of sustainable sourcing and recyclability in EV battery supply chains in this paper. This research reveals five key enablers for responsible sourcing and seven key enablers for recyclability programs in EV battery supply chains. Additionally, we identified four different categories of challenges that companies may experience in designing and operating end-of-life EV battery programs.