Impact of Mandatory Rates on the Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries from Electric Vehicles in Germany

Abstract

We analyse the impact of mandatory recycling rates on the recycling of lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles in Germany. For that, economically efficient network structures, determined by an optimisation model, are compared with and without mandatory recycling rates. The model determines number, technology, and capacities of recycling facilities to be deployed and volume and mix of batteries to be recycled. Different scenarios depict possible developments of the vehicle market, the battery technology, the material and energy prices, and the capital investment for the technologies. We show that a mandatory recycling rate of 50% results only in minor advancements in the achieved recycling rates, but in higher risk and lower financial attractiveness for investors.