Powering the Future: Overcoming Battery Supply-Chain Challenges with Circularity
Electric vehicle battery supply chains are marked by geographic concentration in mining and manufacturing, combined with a globalized distribution of materials. This model increases emissions, weakens resilience, and risks harming developing economies through unregulated cross-border transfers of used batteries. Meanwhile, first-life battery design focuses heavily on performance metrics like cost, range and safety, often neglecting end-of-life considerations such as repairability, recyclability and reuse potential. The lack of effective tracking systems for battery materials hinders responsible sourcing and informed decision-making across the life cycle.
Electric vehicle battery supply chains are marked by geographic concentration in mining and manufacturing, combined with a globalized distribution of materials. This model increases emissions, weakens resilience, and risks harming developing economies through unregulated cross-border transfers of used batteries. Meanwhile, first-life battery design focuses heavily on performance metrics like cost, range and safety, often neglecting end-of-life considerations such as repairability, recyclability and reuse potential. The lack of effective tracking systems for battery materials hinders responsible sourcing and informed decision-making across the life cycle.
This paper, written in partnership with the Global Battery Alliance and RMI, examines these challenges, highlighting the significant environmental and socio-economic impacts. Using insights from an expert advisory panel, the Global Future Council on the Future of Responsible Resource Use, and secondary research, it emphasizes the urgent need for systemic changes to foster a circular battery economy. It also underscores the need for harmonized policy frameworks, investments in workforce development, and innovative research into sustainable battery design.