Influence of recycling of electric vehicles on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions

Abstract

Electric vehicle, as the most promising clean vehicle technology, has a remarkable significance in the conditions of a huge increase in pollution especially in the regions of the world with a high rate of economic development. The increasing usage of electrical drive systems and stationary energy storage worldwide lead to a high demand of raw materials for the production electric components, electric batteries and components of electronics. To prevent further shortage of these crucial materials and further pollution of the environment especially in urban areas and industrial centers, ecological and efficient recycling processes of electric and electronic component, and specially lithium-ion batteries are needed. Available data are partly taken from US, Chinese and some European development plans in this area by 2025. All available data indicate that the development of new components and hybrid and electric forces in the totality of already used components and materials obtained in recycling processes significantly reduces air, water and soil pollution, reduces production costs and contributes to the improvement of the so-called sustainable development of the community. Specifically, the recycling of steel, aluminum and the cathode material of traction battery, among others, contribute to 20-60% of total reduction, respectively. Although the recycling of conventional vehicle components currently contributes the most to the overall reduction, the recycling of battery has a huge growth potential in the future. As a very efficient instrument in reducing GHG (greenhouse gases) production, efficient and widespread recycling is extremely important in the field of industry and other branches of the economy that are experiencing high growth, such as the increasing production and exploitation of electric and hybrid vehicles.