The automaker aims to recycle old batteries on an industrial scale, so it works closely with companies that mine lithium and other chemical elements used in electric vehicle batteries.
Renault intends to become the first European automaker to recycle used batteries from electric cars. The company's management sees this as an opportunity to create a profitable business.
The automaker is currently in talks with smaller companies that have already achieved considerable success in the field of recycling, but have not reached the level of industrial scale.
“There is currently no one in Europe that can claim to recycle used batteries in a closed loop to recreate nickel, cobalt and lithium to produce new batteries”– said Jean-Philippe Bauault, CEO of Renault's environmental division.
The use of recycled metals can significantly reduce the production cost of electric cars, because the cost of chemical components is 70% of the cost of the battery, which leads to a significant increase in the cost of the finished car.
To implement this plan, Renault is converting its new car plant in Auberginville, France to produce partially recycled car parts.
Company management hopes the plant will repair 9,000 batteries this year. Overall, Renault plans to increase profits by 10% after implementing full-cycle battery recycling at its plants by the end of the decade.