Work

Global warming potential of batteries for vehicle applications, from production to recycling

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study provides a structured review and synthesis of existing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies on six battery chemistries—PbA, NMC, LFP, NCA, LTO, and LMO—commonly used in transportation applications. Rather than conducting a new LCA, this work compiles and analyzes data from multiple sources to establish a comparative framework for assessing the global warming potential (GWP) of these technologies. The analysis focuses on emissions generated across key life cycle stages, including material extraction, battery production, transportation, recycling, and end-of-life, while integrating uncertainty through a data quality indicator. Results indicate that the average GWP for lithium-based batteries is 110.3 kgCO 2 eq/kWh, with recycling processes reducing emissions by approximately 39.7 %. Lead-acid batteries exhibit a lower GWP (67.7 kgCO 2 eq/kWh) but are technically outperformed by lithium-based chemistries in energy density and cycle life. The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach in battery selection, emphasizing the importance of integrating technical performance indicators such as energy density, charge/discharge cycles, and recyclability when assessing environmental impact. This study supports the development of eco-efficient energy storage solutions and informed decision-making for sustainable transportation applications. • Battery GWP must assessed with technical traits like energy density and cycle life for eco-design. • Battery transport has a low impact on GWP, especially when sourcing from local or regional sites. • Battery recycling reduces GWP by about 39.7%, lowering emissions from production and end-of-life. • GWP for battery production varies by chemistry, averaging 54.2 kgCO 2 eq/kWh for LFP, NMC, NCA and LMO.

Source: Journal of Energy Storage

DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2025.116777

Authors: Clotilde Robert, Alexandre Ravey, Raphaël Perey, Daniel Hissel

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Franche-Comté Électronique Mécanique Thermique et Optique - Sciences et Technologies, Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, Université de technologie de belfort-montbéliard, Institut Universitaire de France

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,560