Towards a circular business ecosystem of used electric vehicle batteries – A modelling approach

Abstract

The increase in electric mobility will result in a growing number of used batteries that require an efficient system for handling and recycling valuable materials. The purpose of the research is to create a model of the business ecosystem for post-consumer electric vehicle batteries to identify circular economy business opportunities and limitations. Applying the ecosystem pie modelling methodology, the critical actors involved in electric vehicle battery repurpose and recycling are mapped, including the interdependencies and risks. The modelling is based on interviews with several industrial ecosystem actors and existing research literature. Opportunities and challenges in the circular business ecosystem are identified, relevant to industry strategists and decision-makers. The research findings reveal that downstream circular business ecosystems are more unpredictable and unplanned than upstream linear business ecosystems. The study also highlights the trend towards vertical integration among actors in the battery industry to secure the supply of materials.

Keywords

• Circular economy
• Business ecosystem
• Electric vehicle
• Batteries