Mercedes-Benz has launched Europe’s first integrated battery recycling plant in Kuppenheim, Germany, making it the first carmaker to close the battery recycling loop with its own facility.
The plant uses a cutting-edge mechanical-hydrometallurgical process, achieving a recovery rate of over 96%. This innovation allows the extraction of valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which can be reused in new battery production for Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric vehicles.
The facility, developed in partnership with Primobius—a joint venture between Germany’s SMS group and Australia’s Neometals—aims to create a circular economy in battery production. This project, partially funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, also includes collaborations with three German universities to explore the entire recycling process chain, from logistics to reintegration of materials.
According to Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius, this milestone demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable innovation and value creation in Germany and Europe.
The Kuppenheim plant is designed to process 2,500 tonnes of battery material annually, which could be repurposed into over 50,000 battery modules for new electric Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Unlike traditional pyrometallurgical methods, the plant’s hydrometallurgical process operates at lower temperatures (up to 80°C), reducing energy consumption and waste. The facility is also carbon-neutral, powered entirely by green energy, including a solar array on its roof generating 350kW.
Mercedes-Benz’s holistic approach focuses on circular design, value retention, and closing the material loop. This strategy extends to the company’s eCampus in Stuttgart, where new battery cells are developed with a focus on sustainability.
The automaker also repurposes batteries no longer suitable for vehicles into large-scale energy storage systems through its subsidiary, Mercedes-Benz Energy.
