Mercedes-Benz has inaugurated Europe’s first battery recycling plant in Kuppenheim, Germany, marking a major milestone in sustainable manufacturing. The facility integrates a mechanical-hydrometallurgical process that recovers over 96% of critical materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, enabling the company to reuse them for new battery production.
With an annual recycling capacity of 2,500 tonnes, the plant supports the production of over 50,000 battery modules. The recycling process is both energy-efficient and eco-friendly, operating with 100% green electricity. By focusing on sustainability, Mercedes-Benz aims to close the battery recycling loop, reinforcing its commitment to a circular economy.
Partnering with Primobius and supported by the German government, this initiative demonstrates the company’s leadership in developing innovative technologies for electric vehicle battery recycling. As part of a larger research project, it paves the way for scaling up sustainable battery recycling across Europe.
This plant helps Mercedes-Benz move towards its goal of building sustainable, resource-efficient electric vehicles while contributing to Germany’s growth in advanced technologies.