Aisha Hamid Hassan

Circularity through extended use: Unlocking the potential of second-life in EV batteries

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries typically last 8–10 years before losing 20–30% of their capacity, making them unsuitable for reliable automotive use but still viable for lower-demand applications. By 2030, the number of retired EV batteries is expected to rise significantly, creating a waste management challenge due to hazardous materials while also presenting untapped potential for energy storage. This study explores how this potential can be unlocked by first assessing the sustainability prospects of second-life batteries (SLBs), then identifying the challenges hindering their adoption, and finally examining the mechanisms supporting their uptake.

The research addresses the overarching question:

“How can second-life applications of EV batteries be leveraged to support sustainability?”

To answer this, the inquiry is guided by three sub-questions:

  • How do second-life applications of EV batteries affect sustainability?
  • What key challenges hinder the realization of SLBs’ sustainability potential?
  • How can the uptake of SLB applications be supported?

This study draws on academic literature and interviews as primary data sources and adopts a sociotechnical transition approach as its analytical framework, integrating the multi-level perspective (MLP) and technological innovation systems (TIS) frameworks to capture the complex dynamics shaping SLB adoption. It also applies stakeholder analysis, case studies, and an evidence-based assessment to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the barriers and the levers influencing SLB deployment.

The results confirm the sustainability potential of SLBs while highlighting key challenges arising from the existing EV battery ecosystem and stakeholder dynamics. Furthermore, the research identifies general mechanisms supporting SLB uptake, complemented by context-specific strategies tailored to the EU (as a representative of developed contexts) and to developing regions. A key contribution of this study lies in adapting the TIS framework by introducing indicators tailored to developing contexts, enabling future assessments to better account for their unique dynamics, where SLBs show promising potential as a low-cost enabler of energy access.