BMW has begun to utilise a closed recycling loop for the first time in China. The BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture has created a closed loop to reuse raw materials such as nickel, lithium and cobalt in the country.

Batteries from post-use machines and vehicles are broken down by a local partner if the batteries are not able to be reused. The resources from this are then reintroduced into the production of new battery cells.

As part of the Business Ambition for 1.5 °C and various “Race to Zero” initiatives, it plans to deliver at least 10% of its vehicles as fully electric this year.

Ensuring the resources are on hand for this increase in electric vehicles requires the necessary materials to be found. Often these materials are environmentally harmful to extract and/or process.