BMW To Get Battery Recycling Support From JB Straubel’s Redwood Materials

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Possibly as soon as upon a time, concern about what occurred to EV batteries at finish of life was legit. Nonetheless, it was rapidly obvious that the overwhelming majority of an previous battery might nonetheless be helpful if recycled, and that these supplies are extremely precious. About 95% (or much more) of a battery will be recycled and used once more. Them, after all, Tesla cofounder and longtime CTO JB Straubel left Tesla and based Redwood Materialsfocusing 100% on battery recycling.

At this level, imho, nobody ought to ever complain in regards to the sustainability of EV batteries. They are going to get recycled or reused to a brilliant excessive proportion and make the lifetime use of the supplies a long time lengthy.

Anyway, some current excellent news on this matter is that BMW has partnered with Redwood Supplies for its battery recycling. Yesterday, the businesses introduced that, within the U.S., all plugin automobiles in addition to delicate hybrids from BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad automobiles could be recycled by Redwood Materials.

The businesses noted that it is a step within the path of “closed-loop circular value chain for lithium-ion batteries in the U.S.” Certainly — that will be the final word purpose.

“Redwood Materials will work directly with BMW Group’s extensive network of close to 700 locations across the U.S., including dealerships, distribution centers, and other facilities to recover end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and ensure critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper are recycled and refined. Ultimately, 95%–98% of these critical minerals will be returned to the battery supply chain to build increasingly sustainable electric vehicles. The materials inside of a battery are nearly infinitely recyclable and are not consumed or lost in their lifetime of usage in the vehicle. Additionally, Redwood’s processes have a significantly smaller environmental impact than conventional mining or other recycling technologies, reducing energy by 80%, CO2 emissions by 70%, and water by 80%.”

Precisely.

Once more, JB Straubel demonstrates his visionary foresight and talent to execute on the highest degree. When he left Tesla for Redwood Supplies, it felt fairly early within the EV battery recycling business. There have been so few automobiles able to have their batteries recycled. However he arrange the group, began mastering the method, and is now the go-to associate for all of BMW Group and lots of others. I believe it’s secure to say Straubel is a particular character within the EV world.

“Redwood Materials currently operates a campus in Reno, Nevada where battery components are recycled, refined, and manufactured. A second Redwood Materials campus is under construction in Charleston, South Carolina, not far from BMW Group Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff, where BMW will assemble at least six fully electric models, and the high-voltage battery packs for those vehicles, before the end of the decade. The company’s battery cell manufacturing partner, AESC is also nearby in Florence, SC,” the information launch provides.

“Our partnership with BMW of North America ensures responsible end-of-life battery management that will improve the environmental footprint of lithium-ion batteries, help decrease cost and, in turn, increase access and adoption of electric vehicles,” Cal Lankton, Chief Industrial Officer at Redwood Supplies, added.

Sure, sure it should. Kudos to each.