Study on policy tasks for promoting a business using spent electric vehicle batteries

Abstract

With the rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs), it is also becoming increasingly important for policymakers to devise measures on how best to handle spent EV batteries. Policymakers need to devise a system that ensures the economic efficiency of recycling used EV batteries, and support the effective operation of such a system with legal and policy measures. This study aims to present, in a systematic manner, the policy measures needed to foster an environment that actively makes use of spent EV batteries, based on a review of Korean practices and experiences. Based on in-depth interviews with experts, this study explains why the policy measures it recommends are essential, what obstacles stand in the way of implementing those measures and how we may overcome them, as well as other factors we should consider when implementing these measures. As a result, we identified top-priority policy tasks, such as defining regulatory provisions that apply to each stage using spent batteries, as well as clarifying the cost-and profit-sharing structure. We also explored potential and major obstacles and factors that may stand in the way of the implementation of recommended policy measures.