We are making an electric future even more accessible!
As you may know, electric cars are the way of the future. In fact, Audi plans to have 30 electric vehicles on sale by 2025. And in the spirit of promoting EVs as a suitable lifestyle choice, Audi has partnered with Redwood Materials, a lithium-ion battery recycler, in a new program.
Redwood’s Consumer Recycling Program allows people to drop off old battery-powered devices at their local Audi dealerships. Redwood will then recycle these devices and convert them into EV batteries. This is the first time we have seen an automaker work with Redwood to promote the use of household lithium-ion batteries.
Recycling bins will be placed at select Audi dealerships across the country in the next few weeks to collect used batteries and devices.
Redwood revealed last month that Argonne National Laboratory found that battery components from recycled items had the same level of performance as raw materials, which are the materials needed to produce a product. This is especially important due to the shortage of those materials. Over the next 10 years, the global demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to increase by over 500%. This initiative will help to increase the supply chain, while also following the guidelines of the Inflation Reduction Act. We anticipate the program will reduce the need for mining, expand domestic manufacturing, and allow for cheaper and more sustainable EVs.
According to Redwood, less than 5% of devices that use lithium-ion batteries are actually recycled—this is largely due to the lack of recycling resources. Redwood and Audi have seen this as an opportunity to create further growth and change. Devices such as e-scooters, cell phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, vacuum cleaners, and other rechargeable devices can be recycled for this very purpose. Don’t let your old devices go to waste—they might just power your next Audi!
At Bell Audi, we are so excited to represent a brand that is making news in the EV world. This is another step toward the future! If you are curious about Audi’s electric vehicles or have other Audi-related questions, please reach out to us today at Bell Audi. We look forward to helping you!
