Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its subsidiary Accumotive will begin reconditioning used batteries from 2026 at its site in Kamenz, Germany, in addition to assembling new-generation battery packs. The facility, named Battery ReUse Centre Europe, is part of the automaker’s broader strategy to strengthen its circular economy approach in electric vehicle (EV) operations.
The centre will handle the repair and refurbishment of earlier-generation Mercedes-Benz battery systems for reuse within the company’s aftersales network. Existing infrastructure on the Kamenz factory premises is currently being remodelled and extended for the project, with commissioning scheduled for early 2026. Reconditioned batteries will undergo functional and quality assessments aligned with serial production standards before being redeployed as spare parts in customer vehicles. Mercedes has not disclosed projected output volumes for the centre.
The Kamenz site, operated by Accumotive since 2012, has been central to battery assembly for various Mercedes-Benz EV models, having initially supported the electric Smart range. The announcement regarding battery reconditioning aligns with the ramp-up of new-generation battery pack production for the electric CLA. Since early 2025, Accumotive has been supplying the Rastatt plant with CLA battery systems.
According to the company, these next-generation batteries are built along a 350-metre assembly line comprising approximately 50 manual and automated production steps. The process includes integrating cell modules, cooling plates, and sensors, followed by high-voltage cabling and rigorous electrical and mechanical validation.
The newly launched CLA entered series production at the Rastatt plant in June. Battery packs are delivered from Kamenz, while key drive components are sourced from Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, and body elements from Kuppenheim – where Mercedes-Benz also operates its first battery recycling plant. This facility, operational since October 2024, processes end-of-life batteries that are unsuitable for reconditioning, thereby completing the lifecycle within Mercedes’ integrated EV supply chain.