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NITI Aayog Charts Path for Circular Economy in EVs, E-Waste & Tyres

NITI Aayog has launched three comprehensive reports to enhance India's circular economy, specifically targeting end-of-life vehicles, waste tyres, e-waste, and lithium-ion batteries. The reports analyze current challenges and provide actionable recommendations for infrastructure development and strengthening the Extended Producer Responsibility framework. With EV sales skyrocketing and demand for lithium-ion batteries projected to surge, managing this waste stream is both an environmental and strategic necessity. The initiative is central to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth as part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Key Points: NITI Aayog's Circular Economy Roadmap for EV Batteries & E-Waste

  • Reports on ELVs, waste tyres, e-waste & batteries
  • Aims to formalise sector & strengthen EPR
  • EV sales target 30% by 2030
  • Li-ion battery demand to hit 248 GWh by 2035
2 min read

NITI Aayog draws roadmap to boost India's circular economy

NITI Aayog launches reports to boost India's circular economy for end-of-life vehicles, waste tyres, e-waste, and lithium-ion batteries, targeting 30% EV sales by 2030.

"a circular economy for these sectors... a strategic imperative, central to realising the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision - Official Statement"

New Delhi, Jan 27

NITI Aayog has launched three reports on Enhancing Circular Economy in End-of-Life Vehicles, Waste Tyres and E-waste and Lithium-ion Batteries in India.

These reports analyse challenges in the circular economy ecosystem in India and provide recommendations for infrastructure development, sector formalisation, strengthening the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, and enhancing economic potential for revenue generation, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

Electronic and electrical equipment, along with lithium-ion batteries and automotive vehicles, will play a pivotal role in powering digitalisation, enhancing mobility, and the broader energy transition.

Electric vehicle (EV) sales increased from 50,000 in 2016 to 2.08 million in 2024, and the government seeks to attain a 30 per cent share of EVs in total vehicle sales by 2030. Consequently, demand for Lithium-ion Batteries is projected to surge from 29 GWh in 2025 to 248 GWh by 2035, the statement said.

The number of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in India is expected to increase from 23 million in 2025 to 50 million by 2030. Also, E-waste is expected to rise from 6.19 MMT in 2024 to 14 MMT by 2030. There are significant challenges of sustainable management of ELVs, waste tyres, e-waste and lithium-ion batteries.

This makes a circular economy for these sectors not just an environmental necessity but a strategic imperative, central to realising the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of sustainable and inclusive growth, the statement explained.

Developed through extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including line ministries, regulators, industry, and knowledge partners, these reports offer a timely and comprehensive review of current challenges, along with actionable recommendations to fast-track the transition to the circular economy. These will improve resource efficiency, strengthen material security, and enhance sustainability in India, the statement said.

The reports were discussed at the International Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) organised by the Material Recycling Association of India in Jaipur on January 22.

The conference and exposition focused on bringing Indian and International Recyclers under one roof for networking and showcasing their business interest, products, technologies, services, new innovations and perspectives.

Over 3,000 delegates and more than 200 exhibitors participated in the event.

The three reports can be accessed at:

https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2026-01/Enhancing-Circular-Economy-of-End-of-Life-Vehicles-ELVs-in-India.pdf

https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2026-01/Enhancing-Circular-Economy-of-Waste-Tyres-in-India.pdf

https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2026-01/Advancing-Circular-Economy-of-Waste-Electronic-and-Electrical-Equipment-Ewaste-and-Lithium-Ion-Batteries-in-India.pdf

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Finally some concrete focus on the backend of the EV revolution! Everyone talks about buying electric cars, but what happens to the batteries after 8-10 years? This roadmap for lithium-ion battery recycling is crucial for true sustainability. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
Good step, but execution is key. We have great policies on paper but the informal sector handles most of this waste. How will they be integrated and trained? The plan must include creating green jobs for kabadiwalas and small scrap dealers.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in sustainability, strengthening the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) framework is the most critical part. Companies that make phones, cars, and appliances must be held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. This can drive real innovation in design.
V
Vikram M
The scale of the challenge is huge - 50 million end-of-life vehicles by 2030! We need massive investment in organised recycling infrastructure. This could be a huge economic opportunity if done right, creating a whole new industry and reducing our import dependence for raw materials.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: While the reports are comprehensive, I hope the focus is equally on creating consumer awareness. We need easy drop-off points and incentives for people to properly dispose of old phones, batteries, and appliances instead of throwing them in regular trash.
M

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