BMW Group and SK tes, a leading provider of innovative technology lifecycle solutions, partnered to launch a closed-loop recycling system for high-voltage batteries in electric mobility.

The special recycling process recovers cobalt, nickel and lithium from used batteries before returning them to the value chain to make new batteries. This closed-loop system is set to expand to the US-Mexico-Canada region as early as 2026.

Dismantling high-voltage battery.

Closed-loop recycling

High-voltage batteries from BMW Group development, production and markets in Europe that are no longer fit for use are to be delivered to SK tes. SK tes then converts the old batteries into high-quality metals that can be reintroduced to battery production.

The latter process sees the batteries mechanically shredded, during which the metals are concentrated to leave a material called black mass.

Metal fraction after recycling process.

The valuable materials – nickel, lithium and cobalt – are then recovered in hydrometallurgy, a highly effective chemical process. Among other things, these secondary raw materials will be used for the new GEN 6 drive train.

SK tes’ battery recycling process of has won numerous sustainability and innovation awards worldwide, including the Business Intelligence Group’s Sustainability Service of the Year and the UN Global Compact’s Apex Award.