Methods, Tools & Processes for Circular Economy

This document, by the European Environment Agency (EEA), is a comprehensive report that examines the environmental impacts of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) throughout their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life processing.

The report describes the methodology of the Ecodesign process with a focus on environmental-, criticality- and circularity considerations concerning the RHODaS integrated motor drive (IMD). A Life cycle assessment (LCA) screening according to the ISO 14040/44 standard is performed for the environmental consideration. Within the project 30 % of the total IMD's Global Warming Potential (GWP) should be reduced. The methodology for circularity and criticality is roughly presented and still under development. Reference products and intended improved solutions, needed for later assessments, are described as far as possible. Furthermore, conceptual material/product selection matrixes, as part of the Ecodesign Guideline are presented.

The RHODaS Webinar Series presents four interconnected sessions exploring the latest European research on next-generation electric powertrain technologies. Hosted by the RHODaS consortium under the Horizon Europe framework, funded by ‪‪the European Commission‬ and as part of the E-VOLVE Cluster, the webinar series will feature insights from the RHODaS, SCAPE, ‪‪@MaximaHEU‬ and EM-TECH projects, bringing together leading experts in power electronics, digital systems, and sustainability. Each webinar focuses on a specific technological domain critical to the electrification of transport — from component design and thermal management to digital intelligence and circularity. Together, they illustrate how European research is transforming electric mobility through efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility. 

This final session explores sustainability and resource efficiency in electric powertrains. Researchers from RHODaS, EM-TECH, SCAPE, and MAXIMA will present integrated approaches to life-cycle assessment, circularity, and material criticality, highlighting pathways toward a more sustainable and resilient e-mobility value chain.

In the transition towards sustainable mobility, Circular Design principles are crucial. Electric Motors are subject to continuous innovation to improve efficiency, performance density and reduce externalities associated with their production. Therefore, the choice of technological solutions during design phase must guarantee optimal performance and minimal environmental impact throughout the entire product life cycle: production, use, and end-of-life. In the automotive sector, the use phase is particularly critical since the efficiency of the traction system is directly related to total energy consumption during the life cycle and, consequently, to its environmental impact. This research introduces a simulation-based approach to evaluate the use phase of an Axial Flux Electric Motor equipped with Permanent Magnets (AFPM). While providing high performance for electric traction motors, these magnets are composed of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), e.g. Neodymium, classified as Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) due to limited availability and environmental concerns associated with extraction and processing. However, the high torque and power density of this motor technology can potentially reduce the use of CRMs compared to other design solutions. The primary objective of this study is to show a preliminary scalable model that allows designers to evaluate motor performance under different design choices and use scenarios, defined through standard or custom driving cycles, providing immediate feedback in terms of environmental impact. The latter is evaluated by analyzing the powertrain’s energy consumption and efficiency using a road vehicle model, compiling the use phase inventory quickly, and simplifying access to information. This preliminary model thus serves as a decision-support system to balance performance optimization and environmental sustainability during the design phase. This work is part of a framework aimed at improving circularity of industrial products, particularly in the automotive industry. Incorporating environmental factors in design phases encourages innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and decrease reliance on limited resources.

This poster describes an approach for a new end-of-life scenario for in-wheel motors at the Eco-Mobility 2024 Conference organized by A3PS.