Second life business model for electric vehicle batteries: Patterns, structures and future challenges

Electric vehicles (EVs) are presented as a sustainable transportation solution, but their batteries pose environmental issues and recycling challenges. The concept of second-life applications for EV batteries within a circular economy (CE) framework can be an answer to these problems by extending battery life and reducing waste. However, to utilize this concept optimally, players in the battery ecosystem need to comprehend applicable business model for second-life battery applications. This study explores current research trends and dominant themes on second-life business model for EV batteries, structural patterns in existing business models, and future research directions for enhance the sustainability and economic viability of second-life battery utilization. Using the software programs Biblioshiny and VosViewer, a comprehensive bibliometric and thematic analysis was carried out on 84 publications obtained from Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results show a significant increase in the number of publications post Paris Agreement. Furthermore, analysis of these publications’ findings indicates the need for future exploration into important factors in business model implementation, geographic representation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. This study offers a comprehensive literature synthesis, which highlights key challenges and provides a structured foundation to support future academic inquiry and practical implementation in the industry.