Energies (Feb 2024)

Environmental and Economic Benefits Induced by a Remanufactured Portable Power Station

  • Soo Jin Yang,
  • Yong Woo Hwang,
  • Young Woon Kim,
  • Mi Sook Park,
  • Jun Hee Nam,
  • Hong Yoon Kang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/en17040793
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 4
p. 793

Abstract

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The recent announcement by the European Union of the Fit for 55 Package and a prospective ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 has prompted a notable surge in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The shift toward EVs concurrently presents challenges, namely the resource management of used EV batteries, particularly their reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the effects of the reduced environmental impacts of a remanufactured portable power station (RPPS) compared with those of a new portable power station (NPPS) using life cycle assessment (LCA) and the economic benefits gained from reusing used EV batteries. The results of the LCA of the RPPS indicated a notable environmental advantage, with reductions of 42.01% in GWP and 41.91% in ADP compared with those achieved by the NPPS. Moreover, the economic benefits of the waste battery remanufacturing business amounted to USD 593,212 at an annual sales volume of 1000 units. The environmental benefits of remanufacturing practices represent valuable support for policies centered on remanufacturing and reusing used EV batteries. The findings of this study could stimulate a future market for products repurposed from used EV batteries, thereby further fostering sustainability in this sector.

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