Sustainability Challenges of Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain: Evidence from the Indian Electric Vehicle Sector.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Sustainability Challenges of Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain: Evidence from the Indian Electric Vehicle Sector.
Authors: Belal, Md Mostain, Roy, Sayan, Balasubramanian, Sreejith, Wahab, Siti Norida
Source: Journal of Information Technology Management (JITM); 2025, Vol. 17 Issue 1, p178-197, 20p
Subject Terms: SUSTAINABLE development, RESOURCE exploitation, HAZARDOUS wastes, ELECTRIC vehicle industry, ENVIRONMENTAL degradation
Abstract: This study critically examines the sustainability challenges within the lithium-ion battery (LIB) supply chain in India's electric vehicle (EV) sector, an area of growing importance due to the rapid expansion of EV adoption. While LIBs are essential for EVs due to their high energy density and reliability, their production and disposal pose significant environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges. These include resource depletion, environmental degradation, ethical concerns in raw material sourcing, and inefficient recycling processes. This study adopts a qualitative case study approach, focusing on three leading Indian automotive companies, to explore these challenges in depth. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved in various stages of the LIB supply chain, including production, waste management, and recycling. Key findings reveal that the primary environmental challenge is the lack of advanced green technologies for recycling and disposal, leading to high water and energy consumption, as well as hazardous waste emissions. Social challenges include unsafe labor practices, particularly in raw material extraction, and a shortage of skilled labor in battery recycling operations. On the economic front, the reliance on imported raw materials, coupled with high production and recycling costs, undermines the sector's sustainability and profitability. The research contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability in the LIB supply chain. It also offers practical insights for stakeholders and policymakers aiming to foster a greener and more sustainable EV sector in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Information Technology Management (JITM) is the property of University of Tehran, Faculty of Management and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Complementary Index
Description
Abstract:This study critically examines the sustainability challenges within the lithium-ion battery (LIB) supply chain in India's electric vehicle (EV) sector, an area of growing importance due to the rapid expansion of EV adoption. While LIBs are essential for EVs due to their high energy density and reliability, their production and disposal pose significant environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges. These include resource depletion, environmental degradation, ethical concerns in raw material sourcing, and inefficient recycling processes. This study adopts a qualitative case study approach, focusing on three leading Indian automotive companies, to explore these challenges in depth. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved in various stages of the LIB supply chain, including production, waste management, and recycling. Key findings reveal that the primary environmental challenge is the lack of advanced green technologies for recycling and disposal, leading to high water and energy consumption, as well as hazardous waste emissions. Social challenges include unsafe labor practices, particularly in raw material extraction, and a shortage of skilled labor in battery recycling operations. On the economic front, the reliance on imported raw materials, coupled with high production and recycling costs, undermines the sector's sustainability and profitability. The research contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability in the LIB supply chain. It also offers practical insights for stakeholders and policymakers aiming to foster a greener and more sustainable EV sector in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:20085893
DOI:10.22059/jitm.2025.99931