Recycling or Sustainability: The Road of Electric Vehicles Toward Sustainable Economy via Blockchain

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

 In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive overview of the various scenarios for the future development of EV battery raw materials. In doing so, the authors take into account different factors such as developments in battery technology and sustainability aspects of the development of second-use and recycling technologies. 

The conclusion of the study emphasises the potential of blockchain technology to enhance the traceability and transparency of mineral and metal supply chains.

The manuscript is structured in a clear and straightforward manner. 

Nevertheless, it is proposed that a more comprehensive examination of the advantageous and disadvantageous aspects of the material recovery techniques specified in the text, including pyro- and hydrometallurgical recycling, be undertaken. In addition, innovative techniques that aspire to substituce these industrial processes, accompanied by their attendant disadvantages, such as the generation and disposal of waste substances, should be highlighted.

The quality of the figures is frequently inadequate, with insufficient clarity (for example, Figures 1, 4, and 9).

It is my assessment that the manuscript is suitable for publication, provided that the above points are addressed through minor revisions and corrections.

Author Response

We answered to all cooments to Reviewer 1 and we thank for valuable comments and suggestions.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The transition to a sustainable, resource-balanced economy in the EV sector requires a holistic approach, integrating efficient raw material use, advanced recycling, supportive policies, and industry collaboration. In this manuscript, the authors review the road of electric vehicles towards sustainable economy via blockchain. After introducing the topic, in the second part, focus is given to issues evidenced regarding EVs in nowadays context. The third part analysis the blockchain technology with special emphasize in metals recycling. In the fourth section EVs in road to sustainable economy is examined, including sustainable practices in EV production via resource balanced economy, regulations for sustainability of EV and key challenges in international standardization in EVs field. Finally, conclusions are given.

From the reviewer’s perspective, the current manuscript is generally logically written and all the results/experiments are explained with sufficient details. The research background is explained by the authors in the introduction part. The detailed analysis are also in-depth and comprehensive. The manuscript ends with a concise and detailed conclusion. Overall, the manuscript is logically organised and well-presented. I would suggest an acceptance of this manuscript if the authors could also address the following concern.

In the manuscript, the authors discuss the role in enhancing supply chain transparency and other aspects during the application of blockchain technology in the electric vehicle industry. The reviewer wonders if there are any technical obstacles/challenges when the blockchain technology is actually applied to the EV supply chain? If so, can the authors comment on this?

Author Response

We thank the reviewer 2 for valuable input into our manuscript and we answerd suggestions.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The author proposes applying blockchain technology to the electric vehicle (EV) sector, focusing on strategies for EV sustainability. This is an intriguing manuscript, but I believe some aspects are overstated. With revisions, it could be considered for acceptance.

-In Section 2.2, the use of NMC (Li-NiMnCo oxide) appears less conventional; NCM (Li-NixCoyMn1-x-yO2) might be more standard.

-The author claims, "Despite China's ambitious EV development plans, progress lags due to challenges like high battery costs," yet lithium carbonate futures prices dropped from 240450 CNY/t to 75400 CNY/t between 2023 and March 2025. How do you respond? Do battery material costs remain a significant issue?

-Figure 2 suggests data primarily predates 2023. Given the rapid pace of the new energy vehicle industry, incorporating up-to-date data would enhance the paper's reliability.

-While blockchain enhances transparency in metal production and recycling, where specifically does it reduce waste and streamline processes?

-Focusing on Li-ion batteries, the impending mass production of Na-ion batteries could alleviate lithium supply pressure. The author should consider if lithium demand projections are exaggerated.

-If you add some recent trends in battery metal prices, it may enhance the credibility of your article

Author Response

We thank the reviewer 3 for valuable comments and suggestions and we have answered all of them .

Author Response File: Author Response.docx