Redwood and BMW of North America Partner to Recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries

On September 19, 2024, Redwood Materials announced a partnership with BMW of North America to recycle lithium-ion batteries from all electrified vehicles across the BMW Group, including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad. As part of this collaboration, Redwood will work with BMW Group’s expansive network of over 700 locations, encompassing dealerships, distribution centers, and internal facilities, to ensure the efficient recovery of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to sustainability and closed-loop recycling, helping to reduce the environmental impact of battery production while supporting the circular economy in the electric vehicle industry.

Redwood’s Processes Have a Significantly Smaller Environmental Impact Than Conventional Mining

Redwood’s partnership with BMW of North America reflects its ongoing dedication to recovering end-of-life EV battery packs, ensuring that valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel are recycled, refined, and reintegrated into the battery supply chain to support the production of more sustainable electric vehicles. Unlike fossil fuels, the critical minerals inside batteries are not consumed or lost during their usage and can be recycled indefinitely. Redwood is building a circular supply chain to power a sustainable world and accelerate the reduction of fossil fuels.

A recent Stanford University study highlights that Redwood’s recycling processes have a far smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional mining and other recycling technologies. The findings indicate that Redwood’s approach reduces energy consumption by 80%, cuts CO2 emissions by 70%, and conserves water by 80%. This commitment to sustainability not only helps conserve natural resources but also advances the electric vehicle industry’s push toward a circular, eco-friendly economy.

Redwood Materials operates two U.S. campuses: one near Reno, Nevada, and another under construction in Charleston, South Carolina, where it recycles, refines, and manufactures battery components. South Carolina, known for its deep automotive roots, hosts over 500 automotive companies, including BMW. The strategic location of Redwood’s Carolina Campus is no coincidence, as both Redwood and BMW are committed to expanding their presence in this automotive hub.

Redwood’s Carolina Campus is situated near BMW Group’s Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff, where BMW will assemble at least six fully electric models and the high-voltage battery packs for those vehicles by the end of the decade.

BMW Has Been a Pioneer in Electrification for Over a Decade

BMW has been a pioneer in electrification for over a decade, starting with the launch of the BMW i3 in 2013. Since then, BMW has continued to set the standard for electric vehicles (EVs) with attractive designs, high performance, and cutting-edge technology across their EV lineup.

Redwood Materials, with its mission to build a sustainable battery supply chain, partners with leaders in the electric vehicle and clean energy sectors to achieve this vision. The partnership with BMW of North America marks a significant milestone in this journey, combining BMW’s leadership in electrification with Redwood’s innovative recycling and refining capabilities. Together, Redwood and BMW are driving the future of electrification, leading the push toward a more sustainable and circular battery supply chain.