Fostering second-life applications for electric vehicle batteries: A thorough exploration of barriers and solutions within the framework of sustainable energy and resource management

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) play a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on Goal 7, which ensures access to Affordable and Clean Energy, and Goal 9, promoting advancements in Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. However, the growing stockpile of used EV Batteries (EVBs) presents challenges. These EVBs, however, hold potential for second-use applications, aligning with energy conversion, resource optimization, and sustainable energy systems. This study employs a rigorous multi-criteria approach to bridge the research-practice gap by systematically evaluates and prioritizes barriers hindering the widespread adoption of second-use EVBs. The study's overarching objectives are to overcome these barriers, aligning with broader sustainability goals, and to offer insights shaping policies addressing environmental, social, and economic impacts, in coherence with SDGs 8, 11, 12, and 13. The research unfolds through a three-phase approach involving literature reviews, field visits, and expert interviews for barrier identification, theoretical framework development through literature and Delphi studies, and prioritization using the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (FBWM). Results indicate that addressing Cost and Technological Challenges is pivotal for successful second-use EVB adoption, with proposed solutions involving regulations, recycling, and awareness. The study underscores the circular economy perspective, connecting identified barriers to specific SDGs. The FBWM proves effective in prioritizing barriers, providing actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. This research contributes significantly to the existing literature by systematically evaluating second-use EVBs, addressing a crucial research gap, and offering valuable pathways for broad adoption.