BMW is building a new Cell Recycling Competence Centre (CRCC) in Bavaria to implement a novel “direct recycling” process for electric vehicle batteries.
This method mechanically dismantles battery cells and residual materials from production, recovering valuable raw materials like lithium and cobalt.
The recovered materials will be directly reused in pilot production of new battery cells at BMW’s existing Battery Cell Competence Centres. This closed-loop approach aims to reduce costs, minimise environmental impact, and optimise resource use.
The main points:
- Direct recycling avoids energy-intensive chemical or thermal processing.
- The new center will be able to recycle battery materials in the mid-double-digit tonne range annually.
- The location in Bavaria leverages existing BMW battery cell expertise and minimises transportation distances.
- The project is part of BMW’s broader commitment to the circular economy and sustainable resource management.
Source: BMW Press