This paper critically reviewed an overall of 76 available life cycle studies that have assessed the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries and have also provided detailed contribution analyses and transparent inventories. A total of 55 studies were identified that investigated the four notable product life cycle phases: (1) materials and parts production, (2) cell manufacturing, (3) battery pack assembly, and (4). end-of-life decommissioning. Based on the results from the reviewed studies, the average values for global warming potential and cumulative energy demand from lithium-ion battery production were found to be 187.26 kgCO₂e/kWh or 19.78 kgCO₂e/kg, and 42.49 kWh/kg, respectively. This provides evidence to expose the fact that from a life cycle perspective electric vehicles are not emissions-free and contribute to climate change. An examination into the disparity in global warming potential and cumulative energy demand estimates revealed that the results were influenced by battery chemistry, active materials, production volume, regional manufacturing, and various assumptions adopted by the life cycle studies. Most studies claimed that the magnitude of end-of-life contributions to total environmental impact is relatively small and consequently omitted the end-of-life phase from their investigation. Further investigations into battery second-life applications presented the argument that repurposing lithium-ion batteries into mobility or utility applications extend their service lives and yield environmental, social, and economical benefits. Also, recycling reduces landfill waste and materials shortage. Therefore, this article recommends more research efforts and implementation of industrial practices on lithium-ion batteries decommissioning through repurposing and recycling.

本文批判性地回顾了 76 项可用的生命周期研究，这些研究评估了锂离子电池的环境影响，并提供了详细的贡献分析和透明的清单。总共确定了 55 项研究，调查了四个值​​得注意的产品生命周期阶段：(1) 材料和零件生产，(2) 电池制造，(3) 电池组组装，以及 (4)。报废退役。根据审查研究的结果，发现锂离子电池生产的全球变暖潜势和累积能源需求的平均值为 187.26 kgCO ₂ e/kWh 或 19.78 kgCO ₂e/kg 和 42.49 kWh/kg。这为揭示这样一个事实提供了证据：从生命周期的角度来看，电动汽车并非零排放，而且会导致气候变化。对全球变暖潜能值和累积能源需求估计之间的差异进行的检查表明，结果受到电池化学、活性材料、产量、区域制造以及生命周期研究采用的各种假设的影响。大多数研究声称，生命末期对总环境影响的贡献程度相对较小，因此在他们的调查中省略了生命末期阶段。对电池第二次生命应用的进一步研究表明，将锂离子电池重新用于移动或公用事业应用可延长其使用寿命并产生环境、社会和经济效益。此外，回收利用减少了垃圾填埋场废物和材料短缺。因此，本文建议在锂离子电池再利用和回收利用方面进行更多的研究工作和工业实践。