Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable EV Battery Recycling: A Technical Framework for EBRR.

This technical paper presents a comprehensive framework for implementing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) project at EV Batteries Recycling and Regulation (EBRR), focusing on lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in electric vehicles (EVs). It identifies key environmental hotspots across resource extraction, battery manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life (EoL) stages. The study evaluates recycling techniques—namely pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and cascade reuse—to quantify environmental benefits and emission reduction opportunities. The paper uses a cradle-to-grave system boundary with LCA - Ecoinvent datasets, applying ISO 14040/44 standards. Results show that manufacturing accounts for over 60% of life cycle emissions, primarily driven by energy intensity. Transitioning to renewable energy and adopting hydrometallurgical recycling can reduce Global Warming Potential (GWP) by up to 40%. Cascade reuse, when combined with hydrometallurgy, offers the best outcomes with GWP as low as 200 kg CO₂-eq per functional unit. The proposed implementation roadmap outlines data needs, technical challenges (e.g., regional variability, scalability), and regulatory integration (EPR, CBAM). Key recommendations include designing for disassembly, powering manufacturing with renewables, and policy engagement. This LCA-based approach not only reduces environmental impacts but also supports circular economy goals and regulatory compliance. It positions EBRR as a sustainability frontrunner in EV battery recycling through a technically robust and scalable strategy.