Abstract
The conventional linear supply chain is fast giving way to circular supply chain as nations and businesses begin to recognize the need for recycling scarce resources while demand keeps multiplying. Besides regulatory obligations for the innocuous disposal and reuse of discarded manufactured goods, there’s an unmistakable hint that customers prefer businesses that recycle materials, and several leading businesses are finding added value through circular supply chains.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to apply circular supply chain model for the assessment of environmental, economic, or social impacts of electric vehicles (EV) batteries over their entire life cycle.
Methodology – The study uses systematic literature review. We identify 101 papers and filtered them using the key words to arrive at the requisite number of articles necessary to draw the conclusion.
Findings – EVs are vital to attaining global targets of carbon emissions reduction. However, it is evident from new research that the world is unprepared to handle the Lithium-Ion Battery (LIB) waste generated once EVs complete their useful life span. Recycling and battery capacity improvements could be the best solution.
Conclusion – EV sector presents the possibility of recycling and drawing benefits from a circular economy. LIB waste recycling will help cut down toxic waste generation besides abating social menaces of child labor. The best benefit of EVs is the demonstration of how recycling can be used by an industry to grow and meet growing demand. This is the key to directing nations to adopt policies supporting application of CE approach to production.
Keywords