Critical evaluation of European Union legislation on the second use of degraded traction batteries

Abstract

Electric vehicles are one promising alternative towards a low carbon electric mobility future with less dependency on fossil fuels. The European Union automotive industry is a global leader but there currently exists no single EV targeted legislation that encourages the uptake of these sustainable technologies. In particular, the second use of degraded electric vehicle batteries in energy storage systems represents emerging economic and environmental opportunities as well as legal concerns that need to be addressed and managed in a timely manner. Hence, a more efficient regulatory framework in place will further increase the integration of renewable energy sources into the power system while at the same time creating a level playing field for an electric mobility transition in the European Union.