A Review of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Battery Waste Management: Global Practices, Malaysian Context, Sustainability, and SDG Alignment

Abstract

This paper reviews hybrid and electric vehicle (EV/HEV) battery waste management, focusing on global and Malaysian best practices, sustainability issues, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study highlights recycling technologies, policy frameworks, and circular economy strategies essential to reducing environmental impact. The worldwide transition toward hybrid and electric vehicles (HEVs/EVs) has increasingly highlighted the environmental and economic challenges associated with managing end-of-life (EoL) lithium-ion batteries. This review evaluates global and Malaysian battery waste management practices, examines recycling and second-life strategies, and explores sustainability implications aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Findings indicate that although countries such as the European Union, China, Japan, and the United States have implemented comprehensive policies and efficient recycling systems, Malaysia remains in early development stages. However, Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020), pilot recycling programs, and circular-economy initiatives indicate promising progress. The review concludes that successful battery waste management must integrate policy, technology innovation, circular-economy practices, and SDG alignment to ensure sustainable EV growth.