Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes electric car battery recycling plant plan revealed

A new Mercedes pilot plant in Germany will aim to recover precious metals from batteries

Mercedes electric car battery recycling plant

Electric cars use precious rare-earth metals such as cobalt in the construction of their batteries and Mercedes is now constructing a plant to help recover some of these resources to make EVs more sustainable and environmentally-friendly. 

Scheduled to begin in 2023, the Mercedes recycling scheme will initially be a pilot program with an annual capacity of 2,500 tonnes. However, Mercedes has said a second stage is planned where recovered materials will then be used to produce up to 50,000 battery modules for new Mercedes EQ vehicles. The recovery rate for battery material at the plant is expected to be above 96 per cent. 

Jörg Burzer, the man in charge of Production and Supply Chain Management Division for Mercedes, said in regards to the new plant, "Mercedes-Benz is pursuing a clear goal with a view to conserving resources: a maximum circular economy for all raw materials used. Sustainable battery recycling is a key factor in this - worldwide”.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Battery recycling has become a big topic in the electric car industry, with questions over whether the cobalt found in EV batteries is ethically-sourced, given that the majority comes from mines in the DR Congo. Even Mercedes has admitted “the [artisanal mining] situation needs to improve”. Although the German firm stressed it works with responsible sourcing firm RCS Global in its supply chain. 

With most European car companies becoming fully-electric by 2030, it’s likely that more recycling plants like this will be needed to supply the increasing demand for EV batteries. 

For the latest news and reviews on electric cars click here…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Hydrogen cars could soon be greener than EVs
BMW iX5 Hydrogen - front cornering

Hydrogen cars could soon be greener than EVs

If using renewable energy-based hydrogen, the ICCT says fuel cell vehicles could give off 79 per cent fewer emissions over their lifespans than ICE ca…
News
10 Jul 2025
Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own
Best classic cars - July 25

Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own

These are our favourite classic cars, from British beauties to V8-engined beasts
Best cars & vans
8 Jul 2025
Luxury Mercedes ‘leather’ made from old tyres is great news for the planet, and cows
‘Labfiber Biotech Leather Alternative’ - tyre and leather

Luxury Mercedes ‘leather’ made from old tyres is great news for the planet, and cows

The new material was first seen in the radical AMG GT XX concept, but will be used in the brand’s road cars
News
26 Jun 2025
New Mercedes-AMG super-saloon looks ready to pounce on the Lotus Emeya
Mercedes-AMG electric super-saloon - front 3/4 static

New Mercedes-AMG super-saloon looks ready to pounce on the Lotus Emeya

AMG’s new technological flagship will be revealed in full next year, after being previewed by the radical AMG GT XX concept
News
26 Jun 2025

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025