Remanufacturing of electric vehicles: Challenges in production management

Abstract

Due to the conceptual degrees of freedom in their product structure, electric vehicles offer high potential for remanufacturing-oriented product design. This potential is, however, not realized yet. Remanufacturing as one fundamental element of a circular economy is characterized by specific challenges caused by uncertain information about the condition and the timing of the returning product. By means of a case study within the remanufacturing industry, the effects of uncertainties on remanufacturing operations are examined and different approaches within the field of production management to meet these specific challenges are pointed out. Based on the result of the case study a production management framework outlining fields of action to deal with remanufacturing specific uncertainties is developed. In this context, the requirements for remanufacturing of electric vehicles are derived by analyzing similarities from other industry sectors. In conclusion, a solution approach for the implementation for electric vehicles is presented for strategic, tactical and operational procurement logistics and remanufacturing operations.