### BMW 

In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, BMW of North America has partnered with Redwood Materials to pioneer an ambitious lithium-ion battery recycling initiative. The collaboration, announced on September 19, 2024, is set to redefine how electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid batteries from BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles are handled in the U.S. This partnership marks a critical step in creating a circular economy for battery technology—where valuable minerals can be endlessly recycled and reintroduced into the supply chain, ensuring a sustainable future for electric mobility.

Recycling to Reimagine the Future of Electric Vehicles

Redwood Materials, known for its cutting-edge recycling technology, will work with BMW's extensive U.S. network—nearly 700 locations, including dealerships and distribution centers—to recover end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. Critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper will be meticulously extracted, with an astounding 95-98% of these materials being reintroduced into the battery supply chain. This closed-loop process will play a pivotal role in reducing the need for new raw material mining, which is notorious for its environmental impact.

Redwood's recycling process boasts remarkable sustainability benefits, including 80% less energy consumption, 70% lower CO2 emissions, and 80% less water usage compared to traditional mining methods. These impressive statistics underscore the partnership’s potential to make a substantial difference in reducing the environmental footprint of electric vehicles.

BMW’s Commitment to a Circular Future

Denise Melville, BMW of North America’s Head of Sustainability, emphasized the company’s vision: "Together with Redwood Materials, BMW is laying the groundwork for the creation of a fully circular battery supply chain in the U.S. We have always said the future of BMW is electric, digital, and circular, and this agreement brings us a step closer to that goal."

This initiative aligns seamlessly with BMW's long-term vision of sustainability, reinforcing its commitment to not only leading the electric vehicle market but doing so with minimal environmental impact. The recycling of lithium-ion batteries is just one facet of BMW's broader strategy, which aims to advance sustainable practices across the entire lifecycle of its vehicles.

Expanding Infrastructure for a Greener Tomorrow

Redwood Materials is currently operating a robust recycling facility in Reno, Nevada, where battery components are recycled and refined. The company is also building a second campus in Charleston, South Carolina, which will be strategically located near BMW Group’s manufacturing plants in Spartanburg and Woodruff. These plants are set to produce six fully electric models by the end of the decade, positioning BMW as a leader in the electric vehicle revolution. Additionally, Redwood’s proximity to BMW's battery cell partner, AESC in Florence, South Carolina, ensures streamlined operations for future projects.

BMW's Spartanburg plant, one of the first of its kind in South Carolina, has been pivotal to the company’s success since its establishment in 1992. Over three decades, the facility has grown into an 8-million-square-foot powerhouse, producing up to 450,000 vehicles annually, making it the largest BMW plant in the world. This new venture further cements BMW’s role as a pioneer in both electric mobility and sustainability.

Driving the Electric Revolution with Sustainable Innovation

"The transition to electric mobility presents a tremendous opportunity to rethink how we manage the batteries that power our clean energy future," said Cal Lankton, Chief Commercial Officer at Redwood Materials. "Our partnership with BMW of North America ensures responsible end-of-life battery management, which will improve the environmental footprint of lithium-ion batteries, reduce costs, and ultimately, make electric vehicles more accessible to a broader audience."

This collaboration showcases the commitment of two industry giants to transform how electric vehicles are powered and recycled, paving the way for more sustainable practices and driving the adoption of electric mobility across the U.S.

BMW’s Legacy of Excellence in the U.S.

Since its establishment in the U.S. in 1975, BMW of North America has continuously expanded its footprint. From the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars division, which started distributing in 2003, to the globally recognized BMW X models produced at the Spartanburg plant, BMW has been at the forefront of automotive innovation. Their U.S. operations, which include 350 BMW car dealerships, 144 motorcycle retailers, and 38 Rolls-Royce dealers, are a testament to their enduring presence and commitment to excellence.

As BMW takes bold steps toward an electric future, partnerships like this one with Redwood Materials solidify its leadership in the automotive industry’s sustainability revolution. With a clear focus on environmental responsibility, BMW continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring a greener, cleaner tomorrow for all.

For more info, visit bmwusanews.com