Project title: Developing an Integrated Policy Framework for EV Battery End-of-Life in Indonesia: A Data-Driven and Economic Approach
Eligibility: Indonesian nationals
Duration: Full-Time – between three and four years fixed term
Application deadline: 10 Mei 2026
Start date: September 2026
For further details contact: Prof. Dr. Ir. Moch. Chaerul, ST., MT and Prof. Benny Tjahjono
Introduction
Indonesia is experiencing a rapid transition toward electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable mobility. Government initiatives, incentives, and growing consumer interest have accelerated EV adoption, positioning Indonesia as a key player in the Southeast Asian electric mobility market. However, this shift brings a significant environmental challenge: the management of EV battery end-of-life.
EV batteries contain valuable but hazardous materials, including lithium, cobalt, and nickel. If not properly managed, these batteries pose risks such as environmental contamination, fire hazards, and resource wastage. The lack of a well-established recycling and disposal framework in Indonesia highlights an urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to manage the growing volume of end-of-life EV batteries sustainably.
Currently, Indonesia lacks a structured policy framework governing EV battery end-of-life management. Unlike countries with well-developed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and battery recycling facilities, Indonesia faces regulatory gaps, limited consumer awareness, and inadequate infrastructure for battery collection, recycling, and disposal. Addressing these challenges requires an evidence-based approach that integrates end-of-life battery prediction, international best practices, consumer participation, and regulatory development.
Project details
This research will be led by a team from the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Indonesia, in collaboration with Coventry University (UK). The project will involve postgraduate students through a dual-degree doctoral programme.
In order to demonstrate both the scientific and practical contributions of the research, the following objectives have been established:
- To predict the generation and characteristics of EV battery end-of-life in Indonesia.
- To identify international best practices for handling EV battery end-of-life and assess their potential implementation in Indonesia.
- To analyse EV car owners’ willingness to pay and explore the potential implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) concept in Indonesia.
- To propose a regulatory framework for EV battery end-of-life management in Indonesia.
The expected outcomes and deliverables are as follows:
- A predictive model or forecasting report on EV battery end-of-life generation, along with a technical report on the chemical and material composition of used EV batteries.
- A compilation of effective global strategies for EV battery end-of-life management and an assessment of their applicability in Indonesia.
- A survey report on EV car owners’ willingness to pay for battery end-of-life management and a financial model estimating potential revenue from willingness-to-pay (WTP) contributions.
- A white paper for government stakeholders and policymakers, along with a roadmap for implementing EV battery end-of-life regulations in Indonesia.
Funding
Applicant can apply for tuition fees and bursarys to Program Doktor untuk Dosen Indonesia or PDDI Double Degree (https://beasiswa.kemdiktisaintek.go.id/informasi/).
Benefits
One successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal, and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
- ITB requirements listed in admission.itb.ac.id
PLUS
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
- A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).
see : https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/research-entry-criteria/ for Centre for E-Mobility and Clean Growth.
Academic Requirements
Applicants should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field is desirable, including but not limited to:
- Industrial Engineering
- Management Science
- Operations Research
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Technology Management
- Public policy
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Skills in quantitative analysis (e.g., modelling and simulation, optimisation, survey design, econometrics, or panel data analysis)
- Skills in data analysis tools (e.g., R, Stata, or Python)
- Strong interest in renewable energy transitions and industrialisation
- Ability to work with interdisciplinary research
- Strong analytical and writing skills
- Motivation to contribute to academic publications
Skills and experience in the following method is desirable:
- Qualitative research methods and tools (e.g., policy evaluation frameworks, case studies, interviews, NVIVO)
