Abstract This study presents a systematic literature review on the application of the circular economy (CE) to the life cycle of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Using the Web of Science database and PRISMA protocol, 3,180 publications were screened, with 167 selected for analysis (2019–2024). The findings reveal battery recycling as a central sustainability theme in the EV sector. China leads in publication volume and citations, with notable collaborations with Italy and Spain; the U.S. connects strongly with Germany and the U.K. Together, these five countries account for 53.4% of the literature, highlighting international cooperation. Although Brazil is not among the top ten in publication count, it is part of the China-led cluster, suggesting global knowledge exchange. The review identifies key challenges to circularity in EV batteries, including immature recycling technologies and high implementation costs. It also highlights enablers such as advances in material recovery and integration of reuse strategies. The most cited studies emphasize the importance of linking battery recycling with sustainable business models that balance environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Optimization of recycling processes emerges as a recurring focus, aiming to enhance material recovery and reduce environmental impact. The study underscores the CE as a strategic and growing field in EV battery management, offering critical pathways for sustainable innovation. Future research should prioritize the identification and validation of barriers and enablers for CE in lithium-ion batteries, contributing to more effective policies and industrial practices aligned with global sustainability goals.
Lisboa et al. (Thu,) studied this question.