BMW’s North American arm has announced a new partnership with Redwood Materials to recycle lithium batteries from all electrified vehicles across its brand portfolio.
In doing so, the partnership will account for electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, and mild hybrid BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad models sold in the U.S. Through it, the companies are aiming to demonstrate a shared commitment to sustainability, while helping support the development of a closed-loop circular value chain for lithium-ion batteries in the U.S.
Within the partnership, Redwood will work directly with the BMW Group’s network of 700 locations across the U.S. – which encompasses dealerships, distribution centers, and other facilities – to recover end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and ensure that critical materials (including nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper) are recycled and refined. Here, up to 98% of these materials will be returned to the battery supply chain to enhance the sustainability of new electric vehicles.
Redwood highlighted that its recycling processes have a smaller environmental impact than conventional mining or other recycling technologies, and can help reduce energy by 80%, CO2 emissions by 70%, and water by 80%.
