Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Methods Incorporating Energy Mix Considerations

Abstract

The shift towards sustainable mobility has been marked by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), driven by advancements in battery technology, especially lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). As these batteries approach their end-of-life, the environmental, economic, and societal implications of their disposal come to the forefront. This dissertation offers a comprehensive comparative life cycle assessment of electric vehicle battery recycling methods, focusing on their environmental impacts, specifically the global warming potential (GWP) and cumulative energy demand, in the context of energy mix impacts. Three predominant recycling methods are examined: the pyrometallurgical process, the hydrometallurgical process, and direct recycling. The pyrometallurgical process, a high temperature method, primarily recovers metals by smelting and converting them. In contrast, the hydrometallurgical process uses aqueous chemistry to extract valuable metals from spent batteries. The newest and potentially most sustainable method, direct recycling, seeks to reclaim and reuse the cathode and anode materials directly, minimising energy-intensive processes and waste. The primary aim of this study is to understand the environmental impacts of each method. Preliminary findings suggest that the GWP of battery recycling methods is significantly influenced by the energy mix utilised in the processes. The shift towards renewable energy sources in the recycling processes can reduce the carbon footprint, underscoring the critical role of the energy mix in determining the overall sustainability of recycling methods. Moreover, the cumulative energy demand across the methods varies, with direct recycling showing promise as a potentially less energy-intensive approach. However, technological challenges and scalability issues still need to be addressed for it to become a mainstream method. This dissertation bridges the gap between the technical processes of battery recycling and their broader environmental implications, providing stakeholders, from policymakers to industry leaders, with insights to drive sustainable decisions in EV battery management. The study emphasises that while recycling methods offer a pathway to sustainability, their true environmental impact is intrinsically tied to the energy sources that power them.