BMW and Sumitomo Metal Mining advance EV sustainability through recycling and green production

Major automotive and mining companies are advancing circular economy initiatives for electric vehicle (EV) production. BMW Group has unveiled a sustainability blueprint for its next-generation 3 Series, including the all-electric i3. The company aims to reduce supply chain carbon emissions by approximately 37% for the i3 through the use of renewable energy, recycled materials, and a localized production cluster in Bavaria. The new i3 will feature sixth-generation battery cells utilizing recycled cobalt, lithium, and nickel, alongside silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors to improve energy efficiency.

In Japan, Sumitomo Metal Mining has commenced operations at the country’s first commercial-scale EV battery recycling plant in Ehime Prefecture. Utilizing a hybrid pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical smelting process, the facility is designed to process approximately 10,000 tons of used batteries annually. The plant aims to recover high-purity nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper to be reintroduced into the battery supply chain, addressing geopolitical resource risks and upcoming EU battery regulations.