Lithium-ion Batteries’ Lifecycle Mapping and Their Environmental Assessment: Academic Versus Grey Literature

This paper analyzes electric vehicle lithium-ion battery supply chains and their environmental assessment from two complementary viewpoints, addressing the misalignment between academic and industrial approaches. Academic literature is examined through a systematic literature review, while industrial practices are assessed using grey literature. A lifecycle mapping of the supply chain is first developed and compared across both sides. The analysis then examines environmental indicators and identifies key similarities and divergences. Results reveal inconsistencies in indicator selection and scope, with industrial reporting lacking comprehensiveness and standardization compared to academic frameworks that generally rely on lifecycle assessment. The results underline the need for standardized lifecycle assessment-based reporting to improve transparency and data quality across lithium-ion battery supply chains.