BMW of North America and Redwood Materials have formed a partnership to collect and recycle lithium-ion batteries in the United States. Batteries to be recycled are to come from BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and “BMW Motorrad” electric vehicles.
Aiming for a 98-percent recycling rate
The goal of the collaboration is to achieve a recycling rate of 95 to 98 percent of the raw materials contained in the batteries, such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium. These materials are to be returned to the battery production process for more efficient use of resources. Redwood Materials will use the network of approximately 700 BMW locations in the United States to collect spent batteries. Redwood claims its recycling process consumes 80 percent less energy and water than conventional methods and produces 70 percent fewer carbon emissions.
Redwood builds facility near BMW plant
Redwood operates a facility in Nevada and is building a second one in South Carolina, close to BMWʼs Spartanburg plant. The proximity will be minimizing transportation costs and accelerating the integration of recycled materials into the production of electric vehicles. BMW plans to produce several all-electric models and the required high-voltage batteries at these sites in the next few years.
Sources:
https://www.redwoodmaterials.com/news/bmw-and-redwood-partner-to-recycle-lithium-ion-batteries/
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0445142EN_US/bmw-of-north-america-and-redwood-materials-establish-partnership-to-recycle-lithium-ion-batteries
