As EVs proliferate, there’s an increasing need to establish protocols for sustainably procuring battery cells. BMW plans to collaborate with battery maker Northvolt and materials specialist Umicore to develop a sustainable lifecycle for European EV batteries.

From cell chemistry to usage to recycling, the project seeks to optimize every step of a battery’s lifecycle around sustainable goals. The batteries will be created from environmentally and socially responsible raw materials, manufactured with renewable energy, used as stationary energy storage once they reach the end of their driving lives and, finally, recycled. The process, Umicore CEO Marc Grynberg explains, “demonstrates a closed loop for high performance, EU-based batteries.”

BMW plans to open a battery cell competence center in Munich early next year. Northvolt and Umicore will supplement BMW’s manufacturing expertise with sustainable development, sourcing, manufacturing and recycling methods.

“Batteries are becoming a key strategic question for car manufacturers,” said Peter Carlsson, co-founder and CEO of Northvolt. “This partnership highlights the importance of sustainable battery cells in the coming wave of electrification.”

Source: BMW Group