This study critically examines the sustainability challenges within the lithium-ion battery (LIB) supply chain in India's electric vehicle (EV) sector, an area of growing importance due to the rapid expansion of EV adoption. While LIBs are essential for EVs due to their high energy density and reliability, their production and disposal pose significant environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges. These include resource depletion, environmental degradation, ethical concerns in raw material sourcing, and inefficient recycling processes. This study adopts a qualitative case study approach, focusing on three leading Indian automotive companies, to explore these challenges in depth. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved in various stages of the LIB supply chain, including production, waste management, and recycling. Key findings reveal that the primary environmental challenge is the lack of advanced green technologies for recycling and disposal, leading to high water and energy consumption, as well as hazardous waste emissions. Social challenges include unsafe labor practices, particularly in raw material extraction, and a shortage of skilled labor in battery recycling operations. On the economic front, the reliance on imported raw materials, coupled with high production and recycling costs, undermines the sector’s sustainability and profitability. The research contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability in the LIB supply chain. It also offers practical insights for stakeholders and policymakers aiming to foster a greener and more sustainable EV sector in India.
