Iveco Group has chosen BASF as its partner to implement a recycling solution for the lithium-ion batteries used in the Group’s electric vehicles.
This strategic decision aligns with Iveco Group’s commitment to a circular economy, guided by the 4R Framework - Repair, Refurbish, Repurpose, and Recycle. The goal is to extend the lifespan of batteries, minimise environmental impact, and comply with the Extended Producer Responsibility policy, holding producers accountable for the entire life cycle of their products.
BASF, a global chemical company and a major supplier to the automotive industry, recently inaugurated Europe’s first co-located center for battery material production and recycling in Schwarzheide, Germany. Under the agreement, BASF will oversee the recycling process for lithium-ion batteries used in Iveco Group’s electric vans, buses, and trucks. This comprehensive approach covers collection, packaging, transport, and recycling operations in various European countries, including France, Germany, and the UK.
After the collection phase, BASF will employ mechanical processes to convert the batteries into a black mass, extracting critical raw materials like nickel, cobalt, and Lithium. These materials will then be recovered for use in the manufacturing of new batteries. The collaboration aims to establish a complete battery recycling value chain in Europe, providing locally sourced recycled metals with a low Carbon footprint for the battery industry.
“Life cycle thinking is one of our strategic sustainability priorities,” said Angela Qu, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Iveco Group. “BASF shares this approach with us, and its broad battery collection network and recycling capabilities in Europe will help us close the loop from end-of-life batteries to new ones. Working together we will enable a circular economy and reduce our CO2 footprint, which is fully in line with the Group’s commitment to reach net Zero carbon by 2040.”
“The partnership with Iveco Group is our first agreement to recycle batteries from electric vans, buses and trucks and an important step for our battery recycling business to expand our activities into the commercial vehicle space”, said Dr. Daniel Schönfelder, President of BASF’s Catalysts division, who is also responsible for the company’s battery materials and battery recycling business. “It will allow us to further strengthen our European collection network and make further progress in this developing market. With our recycling solutions, we aim to support the European market to close the loop and meet the ambitious circular economy-focused policy requirements of the EU Battery Regulation.”
