Mercedes-Benz announced the opening of a new facility in Germany that utilizes a mechanical-hydrometallurgical process to recycle electric vehicle (EV) batteries. According to the automaker, the operation is Europe’s first battery recycling plant and makes Mercedes-Benz the first car manufacturer in the world to close the battery recycling loop with its own facility.
Powered by 100% Green Electricity
Mercedes-Benz invested tens of millions of dollars on the plant’s construction, and the company will power the 6,800-square-meter facility with "100% green electricity” and has installed a rooftop photovoltaic system that can generate over 350 kilowatts.
The recycling site’s recovery rate is expected to exceed 96%. The hydrometallurgical process consumes less energy than pyrometallurgical processes and operates with net carbon neutrality.
Annual Capacity of 2,500 Metric Tons
The plant reportedly has an annual capacity of 2,500 metric tons, turning out more than 50,000 battery modules for electric Mercedes-Benz models.
Reconditioning and Repurposing Batteries
Mercedes-Benz emphasized its holistic approach to battery system circularity, focusing on three areas: closing the material loop, value retention, and circular design. The automaker also reconditions batteries as spare parts for its EVs and repurposes those unfit for vehicle use in energy storage systems.
Primobius, an SMS group and Neometals joint venture, will serve as the technology partner for the facility. The plant will also receive funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
"As a pioneer in automotive engineering, Europe’s first integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical battery recycling factory marks a key milestone towards enhancing raw-materials sustainability. Together with our partners from industry and science, we are sending a strong signal of innovative strength for sustainable electric mobility and value creation in Germany and Europe,” said Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Image credit: Mercedes-Benz
