The first generation Toyota Prius debuted nearly 30 years ago. As a result, many of these vehicles have either reached or are nearing the end of their lifespan, making them good candidates for recycling. The batteries that once powered these early hybrids will find a new purpose in Toyota's next generation of electrified vehicles, thanks to a recently announced partnership with Redwood Materials.
Toyota previously agreed to supply the automotive recycler with its end-of-life battery-powered vehicles. Now, thanks to a new contract, the automaker will also source cathode active material and anode copper foil from the company.
“Today, in collaboration with Redwood Materials, Toyota is making a decisive move toward a sustainable future,” said Cal Lankton, Redwood Materials’ Chief Commercial Officer. “They’re not only working to ensure responsible end-of-life management for their electric vehicles but also planning to build their next generation of EVs, in part, by using sustainable and domestically manufactured battery components.”
Toyota expects the battery lifecycle ecosystem it is creating with Redwood to include the recycling, remanufacturing and reuse of approximately 5 million operating units. Much, though not all, of this recycled material will come from Toyota's own fleet of hybrid vehicles.
Because a significant portion of Toyota Priuses are sold in California, many will end up at Redwood's Nevada recycling facility at the end of their lives. The parts produced at the facility will then make their way to Toyota's future battery manufacturing facility in North Carolina.
The automaker emphasizes that the decision will help reduce production costs and localize its supply chain. In addition to the environmental benefits, the move could potentially make Toyota vehicles eligible for tax credits in the United States.
“We’re thrilled to be procuring critical battery components and materials to filter into our battery ecosystem,” said Sean Suggs, president of Toyota’s North Carolina battery plant. “We’ll continue to work toward the sourcing and recycling of battery materials here in the United States to maximize these precious resources and reduce our carbon footprint in the process.”
Source: Toyota
