Life Cycle Assessment of Emerging Battery Chemistries and Technologies for Passenger Electric Vehicles: Evaluating Their Sustainability and Technical Competitiveness

Abstract

This thesis presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of emerging battery chemistries used in passenger electric vehicles, with a focus on evaluating their environmental sustainability and technical competitiveness. The study compares lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and solid-state batteries under a raw material extraction to manufacturing phase. The primary objective is to assess and compare the environmental impacts of these battery technologies during their production phase, considering impacts on climate change, resource use, human health, and land transformation. To achieve this, a detailed life cycle inventory (LCI) is developed for each battery type. All relevant input data such as material composition, energy consumption, and process flows for cell, module, and pack levels were first calculated and normalized in microsoft excel. These calculations were based on literature, simulation models (EverBatt and BatPaC), and published datasets from Fraunhofer institute's research publications. The processed LCI data was then implemented in Brightway, an open-source python-based LCA tool, to conduct the environmental impact assessment using the ReCiPe-2016 method. Key midpoint indicators are selected through a risk assessment matrix to ensure relevance and focus. The findings of this thesis offer valuable insights into which battery technologies are more environmentally favourable under current production practices. This can guide future decisions in material selection, battery design, and manufacturing strategies. Moreover, the framework developed combining detailed excel-based inventory modeling with flexible implementation in Brightway can be adapted for future LCA studies. Overall, the study contributes to the development of cleaner and more sustainable battery technologies aligned with global climate and resource efficiency goals.