#United States #Atlanta #Cox Automotive #Battery Recycling #EV Battery Solutions

Major Achievement in EV Battery Recycling: Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive has announced a remarkable milestone, triumphing in the domain of electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling. The company's EV Battery Solutions division has successfully processed and recovered over 10 million pounds of black mass — a crucial material made up of valuable minerals essential for new battery production. This achievement is a testament to Cox Automotive's expanding role in managing the entire lifecycle of EV batteries.

From secure handling and logistics to repair, remanufacturing, and end-of-life recycling, the company's efforts aim to facilitate responsible electrification within communities and for its customers. With the used EV market surging, encompassing an estimated 5% of lease maturities in 2025 and projected to reach around 23% by 2028, the need for safe service and responsible recycling of EV batteries is becoming increasingly essential.

Significance of Battery Recovery

The alarming reality is that many batteries end up in landfills. Implementing circular recycling practices helps maintain materials in active use while fostering a more sustainable battery supply chain. The idea of a 'battery lifecycle' is rapidly turning into a necessity for operations, as the used EV ecosystem continues its growth. Ensuring safe diagnostics, handling, and end-of-life pathways is crucial not just to safeguard manufacturers but also to protect neighboring communities and facilities from potential risks.

Cox Automotive's approach to extend the usefulness of EV batteries includes repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and when necessary, recycling. The company's innovative depowering and dry-shredding technologies minimize fire hazards while supporting safer processing, reflecting their commitment to employee and community safety.

Brian Skalovsky, the director of battery recycling for EV Battery Solutions, expressed, "This milestone is proof that circularity in the EV battery ecosystem is moving from concept to scale. Every pound we recover represents valuable materials kept in circulation, paving a more responsible path forward as the used EV market expands."

Lea Malloy, vice president of EV Battery Solutions, emphasized the infrastructure needed to support electrification, stating, "By prolonging battery life through repair and remanufacturing and responsibly recycling at the end of life, we're providing a comprehensive path toward electric mobility."

The Recycling Process in Oklahoma City

At Cox Automotive's recycling center in Oklahoma City, the technicians employ a patented dry recycling methodology that eliminates water and chemical treatments, thereby reducing environmental impact. Through mechanical disassembly, shredding, and air-based separation, they effectively obtain up to 94% of material recovery from the black mass.

Black mass refers to the dark, powdery substance formed during the mechanical processing of lithium-ion batteries for recycling. This material is highly coveted as it contains lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese, all of which can be refined and reintegrated into new battery production. This process inherently diminishes the reliance on virgin mining, promoting sustainability within the battery supply chain.

Cox Conserves and Sustainability Commitment

This achievement aligns with Cox Enterprises' commitment to sustainability through the Cox Conserves program, aimed at leaving a better planet for succeeding generations. Since its inception in 2007, the program has supported over 500 sustainability projects, investing more than $165 million into initiatives aimed at reducing waste and conserving energy and water.

As a leading advocate for these practices, Cox Automotive's diverse range of services, including storage, logistics, diagnostics, repair, and remanufacturing, showcases its commitment to extending both the life and lifecycle of EV batteries. With a presence in multiple locations including Oklahoma City, Belleville, Las Vegas, Conyers, Ede, and Rugby, the company continues to sculpt a more sustainable future for automotive technology.

For further details about Cox Automotive's EV Battery Solutions, visit Cox Automotive's official site.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive stands as the world's largest provider of automotive services and technology. With a robust portfolio driven by first-party data from 2.3 billion online interactions annually, the company tailors solutions for various stakeholders in the automotive industry, including car shoppers, auto manufacturers, and dealers. With a workforce exceeding 29,000 employees across five continents, Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned entity based in Atlanta, boasting an annual revenue of $23 billion.