Ford EV Partner Says It Can Recycle Damaged Batteries
Ford EV Partner Says It Can Recycle Damaged Batteries
Posted on November 26, 2024
Ford's commitment to sustainability in the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to gain momentum through its partnership with Redwood Materials, a leader in battery recycling. Since their collaboration was announced in September 2021, Ford and Redwood have been working tirelessly to create a domestic battery supply chain that emphasizes recycling and sustainability. Redwood has made significant strides in recycling old EV and hybrid batteries, attracting investments from various major automakers, including General Motors, Toyota, and BMW. Now, the company has expanded its capabilities to include recycling batteries that have been damaged due to accidents or natural disasters.
Redwood Materials has demonstrated its capacity to recycle batteries affected by roadway incidents and environmental catastrophes. Recently, they responded to a truck accident between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, which resulted in a fire and the shutdown of the highway. Redwood successfully collaborated with local authorities to salvage the metals from the damaged lithium-ion batteries, showcasing their dedication to responsible recycling practices. Similarly, in Connecticut, the company was able to recover valuable materials from contaminated battery sites, ensuring a clean and safe environment.
In the aftermath of the devastating fires in Maui in 2023, Redwood Materials partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to manage and recycle damaged lithium batteries from residential systems, electric vehicles, and golf carts. These batteries were carefully transported to Redwood’s facility in Nevada, where they underwent recycling. The recovery of essential metals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, and lithium has allowed these materials to re-enter the supply chain, supporting the production of new batteries and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Redwood's commitment to recycling and sustainability has not gone unnoticed, earning the company a place on the prestigious 2024 Time100 list, which recognizes the most influential organizations worldwide. This partnership between Ford and Redwood exemplifies the automotive industry's shift toward environmentally conscious practices and the importance of recycling in the evolving EV landscape. As Ford continues to innovate and invest in sustainable solutions, we can look forward to a future where electric vehicles are not only more accessible but also more environmentally friendly.