# Recycling EV Batteries: An Eco-Friendly Approach for the Future
As the electric vehicle (EV) movement picks up momentum, addressing the fate of used EV batteries has become a crucial concern. Fortunately, recycling these batteries is not only feasible but also highly advantageous. In fact, repurposing old EV batteries to create new ones is a smart choice from both environmental and economic viewpoints.
## Mercedes-Benz at the Forefront of Battery Recycling
Recently, Mercedes-Benz garnered attention by launching its inaugural battery-recycling facility in Kuppenheim, Germany. The facility utilizes an innovative “integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical” method for recycling, which enables the recovery of over 96% of the precious minerals and metals contained in EV batteries. This includes essential materials such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which are vital for manufacturing new batteries.
Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz Group, remarked that the new facility marks an important step in the company’s commitment to producing desirable vehicles sustainably. “Along with our partners from the industry and academia, we are signaling strong innovative capability for sustainable electric mobility and value creation in Germany and Europe,” Källenius stated.
### The Recycling Procedure
The recycling procedure at the Kuppenheim facility starts with shredding battery modules. The shredded components are then mechanically sorted into various elements, such as plastics, copper, aluminum, and iron. The leftover material, known as “black mass,” contains valuable metals, including cobalt, nickel, and lithium. Subsequently, this black mass is processed through a hydrometallurgical method, utilizing chemicals to extract these metals for reuse in manufacturing new batteries.
A remarkable feature of the plant is its use of renewable energy. The facility operates completely on electricity produced by solar panels, setting a standard for sustainable industrial practices. Despite its current capacity of 2,756 tons (2,500 tonnes) annually being relatively limited, Mercedes-Benz intends to leverage insights gained from this site to expand its recycling initiatives in the future.
## The Significance of Closing the Loop
Transitioning to battery recycling is not solely about promoting sustainability; it also aims at securing supply chains. The minerals used in EV batteries are frequently obtained from regions with questionable labor practices, particularly in the case of cobalt. By recycling these materials, automakers can lessen their dependence on ethically dubious sources and foster more robust, regional supply chains.
Moreover, global supply chains have exhibited vulnerability to disruptions, whether stemming from geopolitical issues like invasions or logistical challenges such as the notorious Suez Canal blockage. By recycling batteries and sourcing materials locally, car manufacturers can diminish these risks and maintain a more consistent supply of essential materials.
## The Recyclability of EV Batteries
Contrary to some beliefs, EV batteries are highly recyclable. In fact, some research indicates that recycled battery minerals can even outperform newly sourced materials. This is a notable discovery, as it implies that recycled batteries could not only lessen environmental impact but also enhance the performance of upcoming EVs.
### What About the U.S.?
While Mercedes-Benz is making strides in Germany, the U.S. is also advancing in battery recycling. Several automakers, including Ford, Volvo, Volkswagen, and BMW, have teamed up with Redwood Materials, a startup created by former Tesla CTO JB Straubel. Redwood Materials specializes in the recycling of EV batteries and has already secured agreements with major manufacturers to recycle their North American battery packs.
General Motors (GM) has also joined this initiative, recently finalizing a partnership with Redwood to recycle battery waste generated during the manufacturing process. This collaboration highlights a significant challenge in the current landscape of battery recycling: EV batteries tend to last much longer than most individuals realize. Thanks to sophisticated battery temperature management systems, the majority of EV batteries maintain most of their charge even after 8–10 years of operation.
### A Second Chance for EV Batteries
Before the need for recycling arises, many EV batteries can be adapted for alternative uses. For instance, batteries that are no longer fit for vehicles can still serve in static energy storage applications. In California, used car batteries have been repurposed to deliver 25 MWh of energy storage for the grid, showcasing the potential for second-life applications.
In 2022, Redwood Materials received fewer than 1,300 EV battery packs for recycling, mainly because most EV batteries are still in service or being repurposed. However, the company has already achieved success in recycling lithium-ion batteries from consumer electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops. This expertise will prove crucial as the number of EV batteries needing recycling rises in the coming years.
## The Path Forward
As the EV market continues to expand, so will the demand for effective battery recycling solutions. Companies like Mercedes-Benz and Redwood Materials are paving the way, illustrating that recycling EV batteries is not only achievable but also advantageous for both the environment and the economy.
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