Completeness evaluation of LCI datasets for the environmental assessment of lithium compound production scenarios
Maximilian Rolinck, Shayan Khakmardan, Felipe Cerdas, Mark Mennenga, Wen Li, Christoph Herrmann
Abstract
The recent development towards more sustainable mobility concepts has led to an increase of electric vehicles and demand for traction batteries. Previous studies have shown that in comparison to vehicles with internal combustion engines the environmental hotspots of electric vehicle lifecycles are located in the production phase instead of the use phase and are especially caused by the production of batteries. Therefore, in recent governmental directives, it is required to improve the transparency of the environmental impacts from traction battery production. However, the reporting of such impact is highly challenging due to incomplete datasets from up-stream process steps in battery and material production. At the example of lithium, this paper defines a reference flow for the production of lithium compounds and evaluates the completeness of the available datasets compared to real life processes. The authors uncover large variances in the coverage of unit processes in previous environmental studies. With this, the paper reveals the demand for a better understanding of industrial processes and data transparency. The authors discuss recommendations for action to improve data availability in complex product value chains.