The economic and environmental impacts of shared collection service systems for retired electric vehicle batteries

Tang, Y, Wen, Z, Tao, Y, Bunn, D W and Li, Y (2023) The economic and environmental impacts of shared collection service systems for retired electric vehicle batteries. Waste Management, 166. pp. 233-244. ISSN 0956-053X

Abstract

One of the impending consequences of the policy-driven, rapid penetration of electric vehicles is that a substantial amount of expired EV batteries will present a waste collection and management problem, particularly in the urban context. Motivated by a lack of research on this issue, this paper evaluates the relative benefits of shared versus non-shared collection systems in supply chains where the service outlets are not exclusive to particular automakers. Using a mixed-integer optimization model, the analysis features spatiotemporal and multiple stakeholder complexities. Data are based on a large- scale representative case study from Beijing. The results show that a shared collection service system contributes to higher profitability, higher collection rates, increased environmental benefits and improved facility utilizations. As a consequence, this research contributes to the policy of supply chain liberalization to order to foster the efficient waste management of EV batteries.