Abstract:

This study estimated the volumes of end-of-life vehicle batteries that could be reused in second-life applications up to 2050. Similarly, it estimated the global demand of battery raw materials for electric vehicles and by how much it can be reduced by establishing an efficient recycling environment. It also described the techno-economic opportunities and challenges faced and discusses the policy framework needed to scale up battery reuse and recycling practices.The study found that the availability of end-of-life batteries is low but is expected to grow considerably. An estimated 1.2 million batteries from light- and heavy-duty BEVs and PHEVs will reach their end of life in 2030 globally, rising to 14 million in 2040, and 50 million in 2050. Reusing 50% of the end-of-life vehicle batteries for energy storage could offer a capacity of 96 GWh in 2030, 3,000 GWh in 2040, and 12,000 GWh by 2050. An efficient recycling of end-of-life vehicle batteries, in some cases after their prolonged usage in second-life applications, could reduce the combined annual demand in new lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese mining by 3% in 2030, 11% in 2040, and 28% in 2050.