Sustainability in the Electric Vehicle Supply Chain

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries, like any other power storage device, have a limited shelf life due to the deterioration of the cells and their ability to store power over time. In the case that customers return products, vehicle manufacturing companies must consider the second life of such products on the environment. These batteries provide enormous benefits to the global society, including the sustainability of businesses. In contrast, these same batteries, when transported, must follow strict costly regulations due to the type of lithium-ion being transferred. It is critical to analyze the consequences of a repurposed battery because the success of the new product will be dependent on it. This research analyzes the reverse supply chain of EV batteries and options for a second life application. A weighted factor analysis is used to determine which options manufacturers should pursue to optimize the value of second life EV batteries. The research also suggests future research opportunities for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Keywords Supply Chains, Sustainability, Mobility, Reverse Supply Chains, Electric Vehicles, Technology Management, Technology Strategy, Product Life Cycle, Automotive