A 6R-Based Circular EV Battery Supply Chain in India: Technology Roadmap and Insights from MaxVolt ReEarth

Abstract

With the rise of EV adoption, significant changes occur in the transportation industry; however, it also generates additional pressure on natural resources and identifies gaps within current EV battery supply chains that should be addressed. The supply chains are currently linear, focusing on the extraction of raw resources, their processing, usage, and disposal and recycling, which creates sustainability issues. This paper presents a technological roadmap of 6 R (reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, recycle) that aims at developing an innovative model that will ensure a transition to a circular EV battery supply chain. Contrary to popular recycling-based solutions, the proposed approach is focused on retaining resources and prolonging their lifecycle through various measures such as reuse, repair, and remanufacturing. Furthermore, the paper provides information about other approaches and business models that may help in the transition to circular EVs. For example, this includes the application of various policies such as extended producer responsibility and requirements concerning recycled content. The findings indicate that the use of a more complex approach that incorporates all aspects of circular economy may lead to positive outcomes regarding reducing negative impacts on the environment, dependence on virgin resources, and promoting sustainable development.