A Scenario-Based Analysis of the Availability, Demand, and Application of Second-Life Batteries in Germany for 2030 and 2035

In recent years, the demand for batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, has risen sharply. In addition to applications in small electronic devices (e.g. smartphones), lithium-ion batteries are primarily required for electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems. This development can be attributed to the shift towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable mobility and energy supply. The increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries has led to a corresponding growth in demand for their raw materials. Therefore, this paper analyses the availability, demand, and application of second-life batteries in Germany for the years 2030 and 2035 to identify the potential for reuse of discarded batteries from electric vehicles to reduce the demand for raw materials. Second-life application aligns with the principles of circular economy, contributing to extending the life cycle of batteries and reducing CO2 emissions. In order to achieve this goal, we conduct scenario-based analyses and an online survey to identify the challenges associated with the use of second-life batteries and to provide an outlook with recommendations.