A Perspective on the Battery Value Chain and the Future of Battery Electric Vehicles

Abstract

Even the most conservative projections suggest that significantly higher demand for batteries in the transport sector is expected in the coming years. A relevant concern is the supply security of lithium-ion batteries, which has been raised and discussed in existing literature in the context of sustainability and the technological readiness of different parts of the battery value chain. However, an up-to-date analysis of this value chain is beneficial to spotlight the main current bottlenecks. This perspective article aims to make a worthwhile contribution in two respects: first, to encourage further research in the techno-economic aspects of lithium-ion and beyond battery chemistries; second, to aid investors and policymakers in the decision-making process paving the road for the realization of the sustainability goals in the transport sector.