Circularity as an enabler for sustainable value chains

Licentiate thesis, 2025

Environmental sustainability has become a pressing challenge, with global warming underscoring the need for innovative solutions. The vehicle industry is shifting from fuel- to material-intensive systems, particularly with battery-electric heavy trucks. The automotive industry’s transition towards electrification has increased the demand for critical materials, risking shortages and raising ethical and environmental concerns, which highlights the need for a circular economy. Achieving zero-emission trucking depends on efficient battery use, extending battery life, and implementing end-of-life solutions to reduce reliance on virgin materials. Circular value chains for heavy truck batteries are essential in order to secure the supply of critical raw materials and support environmentally sustainable solutions. For battery manufacturers, circularity helps avoid price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical dependencies. However, there is limited understanding of the transformation needed to achieve large-scale industrialized circularity in battery production. This research aims to shed light on the circular opportunities of battery life.
Achieving circularity for heavy truck batteries requires key shifts, including battery design for extended use and material recovery and set-up of reverse supply chains to address material shortages and geopolitical risks. In addition, technical solutions for the recycling process and access to battery data throughout the battery journey are essential for informed decisions and circular strategies.