Optimization of Lithium-Ion Battery Circular Economy in Electric Vehicles in Sustainable Supply Chain

Lithium batteries constitute a pivotal component in electric vehicles (EVs) owing to their rechargeability and high-power output capabilities. Despite their advantageous features, these batteries encounter longevity challenges, posing disposal complications and an insufficient sustainable supply chain ecosystem to address the growing demand for lithium batteries. One potential solution to address this issue is the implementation of a circular economy model. This study aims to identify and assess the key barriers to optimizing a sustainable supply chain in the lithium-ion battery circular economy using an integrated Gray Multi-Criteria Decision Making approach within the automotive sector. The novelty of this research lies in its application of Gray Possibility Comparison and Gray Possibility of degree to address these uncertainties. By integrating Gray DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) and Gray ANP (Analytic Network Process) methods, this study offers a more flexible and adaptive framework for identifying and analyzing the interrelationships among barriers. The research process involves validating the identified barriers through the Gray Delphi method, followed by the application of Gray DEMATEL to establish the cause-effect relationships among the barriers. Finally, Gray ANP is used to assign weights and prioritize the barriers into primary and secondary categories. The results indicate that the barrier “Lack of supportive policies and standards” holds the highest importance and influence, with a weight of 0.101225.