Editor’s choice
Editor’s choice
This report examines current governance gaps and outlines coordinated regional and global responses to ensure that electrification supports a just transition, with regard to e-waste and battery recycling.
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are becoming one of the fastest-growing and least-governed waste streams globally. While Global North (classified by UN Trade and Development, UNCTAD) markets are building formal lithium-ion recycling systems, many Global South markets still rely on cheaper but highly toxic lead-acid batteries for low-cost mobility. This creates unequal environmental and human health risks, especially where informal recycling dominates and regulation is weak. Using literature and global trade data, we show that lead-acid batteries still dominate by traded weight, despite rapid lithium-ion growth. Without stronger global coordination on battery traceability, recycling and producer responsibility, electrification risks deepening environmental injustice rather than delivering a just transition.
One-SEI program / SEI advances fair, inclusive, and low-emission transport solutions worldwide, bridging global insights with local action for a just mobility transition.
Event on 21 July / Join Nigeria's Climate and Clean Air Action Framework launch for Transport Businesses, featuring tools to reduce emissions and access climate finance.
Media coverage / SEI’s Maria Nkhonjera noted that reforming international credit ratings could allow energy projects in Africa to reach their potential.
Past event / Join experts to explore how electric mobility can support climate action while making transport fair for countries, regions and communities.
