Evaluating Reverse Logistics and Second Life Applications of End-of-Life Electric Vehicle Batteries in Kenya
(2024) MTTM05 20241Production Management
Engineering Logistics
- Abstract
- The rapid growth of the global electric vehicle (EV) market has led to an increased focus on the lifecycle management of electric vehicle batteries (EVBs), particularly concerning their end-of-life (EoL) handling. The thesis explores and evaluates the implementation of reverse logistics (RL) setups for EoL EVBs of electric motorcycles in Kenya, a market that is observing an increasing EV sector but lacks a structured approach to battery EoL management. The study is focused on Roam Electric, a Nairobi-based electric mobility startup, and utilises an exploratory single case study methodology to examine the practical and theoretical aspects of RL in an emerging market context.
The research identifies key barriers and enablers within the... (More) - The rapid growth of the global electric vehicle (EV) market has led to an increased focus on the lifecycle management of electric vehicle batteries (EVBs), particularly concerning their end-of-life (EoL) handling. The thesis explores and evaluates the implementation of reverse logistics (RL) setups for EoL EVBs of electric motorcycles in Kenya, a market that is observing an increasing EV sector but lacks a structured approach to battery EoL management. The study is focused on Roam Electric, a Nairobi-based electric mobility startup, and utilises an exploratory single case study methodology to examine the practical and theoretical aspects of RL in an emerging market context.
The research identifies key barriers and enablers within the Kenyan market, including economic, regulatory, and infrastructural factors influencing the viability of RL and EoL handling for EVBs. Through a comprehensive analysis, combining empirical data and theoretical insights, the study proposes actionable strategies that can enable efficient and sustainable EoL handling of EVBs. These strategies focus on leveraging circular economy principles to extend the life cycle of EVBs through repurposing and recycling, thus mitigating environmental impact and enhancing economic value.
The findings suggest that while there are significant challenges, there are also opportunities in Kenya for establishing a robust RL setup. These include the potential for creating new business models around battery second life applications, such as battery energy storage systems (BESS). Through evaluating the viability of producing second life BESS, the thesis concludes it to be a financially feasible opportunity under the right circumstances, also contributing to environmental sustainability. The thesis contributes to the broader discussion on supply chain management, circular economy, and sustainable practices in the EV industry, providing a way for similar markets looking to integrate EoL strategies for EVBs. (Less) - Popular Abstract
- As the world accelerates towards a greener future, electric vehicles have emerged as a promising solution to tackle the challenge of climate change. However, the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market comes with a significant challenge – what to do with the batteries once they reach end-of-life? It all begins with Reverse Logistics – the Battery Boomerang!
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9165487
- author
- Sedigh, Lova LU and Haglund, Alexandra LU
- supervisor
-
- Eva Berg LU
- organization
- course
- MTTM05 20241
- year
- 2024
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Electric Vehicle Batteries, End-of-Life, Reverse Logistics, Second Life Application, Battery Energy Storage System, Circular Economy, Kenya
- other publication id
- 6021
- language
- English
- id
- 9165487
- date added to LUP
- 2024-09-04 13:55:15
- date last changed
- 2024-09-04 13:55:15
@misc{9165487,
abstract = {{The rapid growth of the global electric vehicle (EV) market has led to an increased focus on the lifecycle management of electric vehicle batteries (EVBs), particularly concerning their end-of-life (EoL) handling. The thesis explores and evaluates the implementation of reverse logistics (RL) setups for EoL EVBs of electric motorcycles in Kenya, a market that is observing an increasing EV sector but lacks a structured approach to battery EoL management. The study is focused on Roam Electric, a Nairobi-based electric mobility startup, and utilises an exploratory single case study methodology to examine the practical and theoretical aspects of RL in an emerging market context.
The research identifies key barriers and enablers within the Kenyan market, including economic, regulatory, and infrastructural factors influencing the viability of RL and EoL handling for EVBs. Through a comprehensive analysis, combining empirical data and theoretical insights, the study proposes actionable strategies that can enable efficient and sustainable EoL handling of EVBs. These strategies focus on leveraging circular economy principles to extend the life cycle of EVBs through repurposing and recycling, thus mitigating environmental impact and enhancing economic value.
The findings suggest that while there are significant challenges, there are also opportunities in Kenya for establishing a robust RL setup. These include the potential for creating new business models around battery second life applications, such as battery energy storage systems (BESS). Through evaluating the viability of producing second life BESS, the thesis concludes it to be a financially feasible opportunity under the right circumstances, also contributing to environmental sustainability. The thesis contributes to the broader discussion on supply chain management, circular economy, and sustainable practices in the EV industry, providing a way for similar markets looking to integrate EoL strategies for EVBs.}},
author = {{Sedigh, Lova and Haglund, Alexandra}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Evaluating Reverse Logistics and Second Life Applications of End-of-Life Electric Vehicle Batteries in Kenya}},
year = {{2024}},
}