Ajanovic, A. (2024, August 28). On Sustainability of Mobility Supply Chain with a Focus on Battery Electric Vehicles [Conference Presentation]. 11th International Conference on “Energy, Sustainability and Climate Crisis” ESCC 2024, Korfu, Greece.
E370-03 - Forschungsbereich Energiewirtschaft und Energieeffizienz
-
Date (published):
28-Aug-2024
-
Event name:
11th International Conference on "Energy, Sustainability and Climate Crisis" ESCC 2024
en
Event date:
26-Aug-2024 - 30-Aug-2024
-
Event place:
Korfu, Greece
-
Keywords:
Sustainability; Electric vehicles; Raw materials
en
Abstract:
With the increasing environmental challenges, rise the need for the transformation of the transport sector towards more sustainability. In fact, the sustainability of mobility supply chains is becoming an essential component to address environmental concerns and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This paper examines the major challenges and opportunities within the mobility supply chain, with a specific focus on mobility with battery electric vehicles. Battery electric vehicles are seen as a promising solution in the reduction of local noise and air pollution, as well as in the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the increasing use of battery electric vehicles over the last decade has shown multifaceted sustainability implications across various stages of the mobility supply chain, from raw material extraction, vehicle manufacturing up to the vehicle end-of-life disposal and recycling. Currently, mostly used type of battery in electric vehicles is Lithium-Ion battery. In production of such battery beside lithium also some other raw materials are needed such as cobalt, and nickel. Increasing mining of these materials, raises concerns regarding environmental and social impacts. Moreover, increasing demand for these materials have an impact on the battery prices, and consequently on the affordability of battery electric vehicles.
This paper explores sustainability within the mobility supply chain, highlighting the role of battery electric vehicles under consideration of policy goals and supporting measures for the promotion of sustainable transportation practices. Beside clean vehicle technologies of interest are also measures, which can reduce transport activity and increase the use of low-, or no-carbon mobility options, such as walking, biking or use of public transport.
In the transition towards sustainable mobility, it is important to have holistic approach that addresses economic, environmental and social issues, leading to higher acceptance of battery electric vehicles as well as to more sustainable and resilient mobility supply chain. Finally, implementing the principles of circular economy, resource efficiency should be maximized and waste minimized.