The transition to electric mobility has started in many countries and the annual sales of electric vehicles are expected to grow from 1.4 million in 2017 to 21.5 million in 2030globally. Beyond the positive effects of the shift to a zero-emission fleet, when end-of-life (EoL) battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and their components are not properly managed, it can hinder the sustainable aspect of mobility transition from internal combustion vehicles to BEVs.
While BEVs are mainly produced and consumed in China, Japan, Korea, United States, and European countries currently, the market is expected to expand worldwide. Countries in the Global South, which often import used vehicles, will in the future also have to deal with the complex management of EoL electric vehicles. The project aims to investigate the social, environmental, and public health impacts of the disposal of EoL BEVs in the Global South through a Resource Nexus approach.
The project seeks to formulate policy recommendations for international trade regarding used battery-electric vehicles as well as evaluate the reuse, recycling, and disposal alternatives for EoL BEVs for the Global South. The project will support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, SDG 3 on good health and well-being, SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, and SDG 14 on life below water and, most specifically, SGD 12 on responsible production and consumption.
This project is funded by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP).
