Mercedes-Benz has expanded its partnership with Norwegian aluminum and renewable energy company Hydro to use recycled and low-carbon aluminum in its next generation of large electric vehicles. The deal makes Mercedes the first European automaker to use Hydro's CIRCAL recycled aluminum in series production, which contains at least 75% post-consumer recycled material, up from around 25% in current supply. The automaker also uses Hydro's REDUXA primary aluminum, produced with renewable energy and with a carbon footprint over 70% below the global average. This partnership builds on a 2022 letter of intent and a 2024 expansion covering the full aluminum value chain. Mercedes aims for 80% CO2 reduction in production by 2030 and net carbon-neutral materials by 2039. The move shows how automakers are using recycled content and clean energy supply to cut embedded emissions in vehicle manufacturing, though details on volume and cost remain unclear.
