Strategies for sustainable end-of-life management of traction batteries

In 2023, EFS Consulting and the Vienna University of Technology conducted a study to analyse the current options for handling traction batteries from electric vehicles with regard to the circular economy.

The study derived enablers from the academic literature on promoting the circular economy for traction batteries and compared these with the current practices of 20 companies in the electric mobility sector along the value chain.

The use of innovative technologies improves the monitoring of battery condition and optimises recycling processes. Business models such as battery-as-a-service and second-life applications create additional added value. Circular product design minimises environmental impact and facilitates reuse and recycling, while holistic optimisation of the life cycle maximises the resource efficiency of traction batteries.