BMW of North America and Redwood Materials have entered into a partnership to recycle lithium-ion batteries from electric and hybrid vehicles in the U.S. This collaboration aims to promote sustainability by establishing a closed-loop recycling process for critical battery materials, reducing environmental impact, and supporting the production of greener electric vehicles. The partnership will work across BMW’s extensive network to recover and recycle key materials, helping to build a more sustainable electric future.
Key Highlights:
- BMW and Redwood Materials will recycle lithium-ion batteries from BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles in the U.S.
- 95% to 98% of critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper will be returned to the battery supply chain.
- Redwood’s recycling process reduces energy usage by 80%, CO2 emissions by 70%, and water consumption by 80%.
- The partnership supports BMW’s goal of creating a fully circular battery supply chain in the U.S.
- Redwood operates a recycling facility in Reno, Nevada, and is building a second one in South Carolina, close to BMW’s manufacturing plants.
- The recycled materials will help lower the cost of electric vehicles and increase their accessibility.
The collaboration between BMW and Redwood Materials highlights both companies’ commitment to a more sustainable future. By recovering and recycling lithium-ion batteries, they aim to significantly reduce the environmental footprint associated with battery production and disposal.
BMW’s Head of Sustainability, Denise Melville, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “Together with Redwood Materials, BMW is laying the groundwork for the creation of a fully circular battery supply chain in the U.S.”
BMW’s Commitment to U.S. Operations
BMW Group has a longstanding presence in the U.S., with operations dating back to 1975. Its South Carolina plant, which produces up to 450,000 vehicles annually, is the largest BMW manufacturing site globally. BMW also partners with AESC, a battery cell manufacturer based in Florence, South Carolina.
The new recycling partnership with Redwood Materials further strengthens BMW’s efforts to support a clean energy future, helping to enhance the environmental sustainability of lithium-ion batteries while expanding electric vehicle production in the U.S.
Redwood Materials’ Role in Battery Recycling
Redwood Materials, founded by JB Straubel, aims to create a circular supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. With facilities in Nevada and South Carolina, the company focuses on recycling, refining, and manufacturing sustainable battery materials at scale. These efforts contribute to reducing the overall environmental footprint of electric vehicles and energy storage systems in the U.S.
By partnering with BMW, Redwood Materials will help to ensure the responsible end-of-life management of batteries, improving the sustainability and affordability of electric vehicles for the future.
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