BMW of North America and Redwood Materials have recently formed a partnership to recycle lithium-ion batteries from all-electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles within the United States. This collaboration underscores both companies' dedication to sustainability and marks a significant step toward establishing a closed-loop system for lithium-ion batteries in the country.
Redwood Materials will collaborate with the BMW Group's nearly 700 locations across the U.S. to retrieve batteries reaching the end of their life cycle, ensuring that essential materials like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper are recovered and recycled. These materials are nearly infinitely recyclable, as they aren't depleted during the vehicle's usage.
This program aims to return 95% to 98% of these crucial materials to the battery supply chain, contributing to the production of more sustainable vehicles. Redwood's recycling method will have a much lower environmental footprint compared to traditional mining and recycling processes. This method is expected to reduce energy use by 80%, lower carbon emissions by 70%, and decrease water consumption by 80%.
Redwood Materials operates out of Reno, Nevada, where it recycles and manufactures batteries. A second site is being built in Charleston, South Carolina, close to BMW Group's Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff. BMW intends to assemble at least six fully electric models at these plants by the end of the decade. Plant Spartanburg is currently BMW's largest production facility worldwide.
Given BMW's renewed commitment to sustainability, now is a perfect time to explore purchasing an electric or hybrid BMW model. Contact BMW of Springfield today to discover the options we have available.