Inside BMW’s Strategy to Recycle EV Batteries and Transform Electric Mobility

BMW of North America has announced an exciting new partnership with Redwood Materials to recycle lithium-ion batteries used in electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models from BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad. This partnership represents a major step towards sustainability and a closed-loop circular supply chain for EV batteries in the U.S.

Creating a Circular Battery Supply Chain

The collaboration will see Redwood Materials working with BMW’s vast U.S. network of nearly 700 dealerships and distribution centers to recover end-of-life batteries. Key minerals like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper will be recycled and refined, with 95%-98% of these materials returned to the battery supply chain, making future EVs even more sustainable. Unlike many raw materials, the components inside lithium-ion batteries can be recycled almost indefinitely without losing their value.

Redwood’s recycling processes also have a much smaller environmental footprint than traditional methods, reducing energy use by 80%, carbon emissions by 70%, and water use by 80%.

BMW’s Commitment to Sustainability

As BMW moves toward a greener future, this partnership helps fulfill its vision of an electric, digital, and circular future. According to Denise Melville, Head of Sustainability at BMW of North America, this is a critical step in BMW’s commitment to creating a sustainable EV ecosystem.

By partnering with Redwood Materials, BMW is working to address the environmental impact of EV production while also lowering costs, making EVs more accessible for consumers.

A Greener Path for EVs in the U.S.

Redwood Materials will handle recycling operations at their Nevada campus and soon at their second facility in Charleston, South Carolina—near BMW’s Plant Spartanburg. This will ensure the sustainable disposal of EV batteries while also providing high-quality materials for new battery production. It’s a win-win for both the environment and the growing EV market in the U.S.

As Cal Lankton, Chief Commercial Officer at Redwood, put it: “Our partnership with BMW of North America ensures responsible end-of-life battery management that will improve the environmental footprint of lithium-ion batteries and help increase EV adoption.”

This collaboration will play a critical role in the future of electric mobility, reinforcing the idea that with better resource management and smart partnerships, EVs can be part of a sustainable and circular economy.

Source: BMW Group, Electrive