Driving Sustainability: BMW and Redwood Materials Partner to Recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries

In a groundbreaking move towards a more sustainable future, BMW of North America and Redwood Materials have announced a strategic partnership to recycle lithium-ion batteries from BMW's all-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, and mild hybrid vehicles across the United States. This collaboration represents a shared commitment to creating a closed-loop circular value chain for lithium-ion batteries, a crucial step in the industry's transition to a more environmentally-friendly electric mobility landscape.

Unlocking the Potential of Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling

Closing the Loop on Battery Sustainability

The partnership between BMW and Redwood Materials aims to establish a comprehensive system for the responsible management of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. Redwood Materials will work directly with BMW's extensive network of dealerships, distribution centers, and other facilities across the U.S. to recover these batteries and ensure that the critical minerals they contain, such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper, are recycled and refined. This process is designed to return up to 95-98% of these valuable materials back into the battery supply chain, enabling the creation of increasingly sustainable electric vehicles.

Reducing the Environmental Impact of Battery Recycling

Redwood Materials' innovative recycling processes offer a significantly smaller environmental impact compared to conventional mining or other recycling technologies. By reducing energy consumption by 80%, CO2 emissions by 70%, and water usage by 80%, the company is setting a new standard for sustainable battery recycling. This approach not only benefits the environment but also helps to decrease the overall cost of electric vehicles, ultimately increasing their accessibility and adoption.

Expanding the Recycling Infrastructure

Redwood Materials operates a campus in Reno, Nevada, where they currently recycle, refine, and manufacture battery components. Additionally, the company is constructing a second campus in Charleston, South Carolina, strategically located near BMW Group's Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff. These facilities will play a crucial role in supporting BMW's plans to assemble at least six fully electric models and their high-voltage battery packs by the end of the decade.

Driving the Transition to Electric Mobility

The partnership between BMW and Redwood Materials represents a significant step forward in the industry's transition to electric mobility. By ensuring responsible end-of-life battery management and improving the environmental footprint of lithium-ion batteries, this collaboration aims to decrease costs and increase the accessibility and adoption of electric vehicles. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, this partnership serves as a model for how automakers and recycling companies can work together to create a closed-loop circular value chain for battery materials.