Toyota's Next-Gen Electrified Cars to Be Powered by Recycled First-Gen Priuses

author: FutureCar Staff    

Toyota has expanded its collaboration with Redwood Materials in an effort to promote sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint. The automaker will now be sourcing recycled anode and cathode supplies from Redwood Materials for its U.S. production of electrified vehicles.

The partnership between Toyota and Redwood Materials aims to give a new purpose to the batteries of the first-generation Toyota Prius, which have either reached the end of their lifespan or are approaching it. These batteries will be utilized in Toyota's upcoming generation of electrified vehicles.

Previously, Toyota had agreed to supply Redwood Materials with its end-of-life battery-powered vehicles. However, with the new deal, the automaker will also be sourcing cathode active material and anode copper foil from the recycling company.

Cal Lankton, Redwood Materials' Chief Commercial Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "Today, in collaboration with Redwood Materials, Toyota is making a decisive move toward a sustainable future. 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."

The partnership between Toyota and Redwood Materials is expected to create a battery lifecycle ecosystem that includes the recycling, re-manufacturing, and repurposing of around 5 million operating units. While a significant portion of the recycled material will come from Toyota's own fleet of hybrid vehicles, many Priuses sold in California will be sent to Redwood's Nevada recycling facility once they reach the end of their lives. The parts manufactured at the facility will then be used in Toyota's upcoming battery manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

In addition to the environmental benefits, Toyota's decision to source recycled battery supplies from Redwood Materials will help reduce production costs and localize its supply chain. Furthermore, this move could potentially make Toyota vehicles eligible for tax credits in the United States.

Sean Suggs, president of Toyota's North Carolina battery plant, expressed his excitement about procuring critical battery components and materials from Redwood Materials, stating, "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."

FutureCar Staff