A global review of end-of-life vehicle management: India as a model for circular economy in automotive sector

Review article, 2025

The management of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) is critical for promoting sustainable resource use and minimizing environmental impacts. Many countries face challenges in this area due to weak regulatory frameworks and the dominance of informal recycling practices, resulting in low material recovery and environmental risks. This study presents a systematic review of 122 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024, following the PRISMA methodology, to examine how Circular Economy (CE) principles are integrated into ELV management globally. A major contribution of the study is the mapping of ELV processing stages collection, transportation, de-pollution, dismantling, and recycling, and the identification of CE strategies embedded within each stage. The literature is categorized according to these stages, highlighting the role of CE strategies such as reduction, reuse, and recycling. India is examined as a case study to explore the specific challenges faced by emerging economies. The review identifies ten key structural bottlenecks and proposes practical solutions, including modular vehicle design, circular business models, improved infrastructure, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as material tracking and efficient de-pollution systems. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders. By adopting a lifecycle approach, this review reframes ELVs as valuable resources rather than waste, contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable and circular automotive sector.