Redwood Materials, the recycling company founded by former Tesla executive JB Straubel, is expanding its reach in the sustainable energy industry by partnering with Rad Power Bikes, one of the largest electric bike companies in North America. This deal will allow Rad Power Bikes customers to bring in their depleted e-bike batteries to any of the ten Rad Power Bikes retail locations, and Redwood will handle the recycling process.
While Redwood has already established itself as a major player in recycling batteries from larger industries like automotive and tech, this new partnership will enable Redwood to penetrate the often-overlooked market for light electric vehicle (LEV) batteries. With Rad Power Bikes being one of the top sellers of electric bikes in North America, the potential for increased collection volume and economies of scale is significant.
Redwood claims that its recycling process can reuse more than 95% of the critical metals found in the batteries it collects, including nickel, cobalt, copper, aluminum, lithium, and graphite. The company already recycles batteries from carmakers such as Ford, Toyota, and Nissan, as well as bike makers like Specialized. In addition to breaking down scrap from Tesla’s battery-making process with Panasonic, Redwood also produces cathode and anode components.
The partnership with Rad Power Bikes not only marks Redwood’s expansion into the e-bike battery market but also serves as a milestone in the company’s consumer e-waste collection program. Select Rad Power Bikes stores in California and Washington will act as drop-off locations for old smartphones, laptops, and tablets, which will further support Redwood’s efforts to reduce electronic waste and promote sustainability.
While the service is currently “in-store only,” the potential for increased collection volume and economies of scale could eventually make recycling e-bike batteries a cost-effective and sustainable practice for the industry. As Redwood aims to reduce logistics costs and make batteries assets that help make electric vehicles more sustainable and affordable in the long run, its innovative recycling process has already proven to be profitable for smaller batteries, such as those used in consumer devices and production scrap.
See also: Redwood, Audi launch consumer battery recycling program for household device
By partnering with Rad Power Bikes, Redwood Materials is making strides towards a more sustainable and circular economy, as it expands its reach in the LEV battery market while promoting responsible electronic waste management.
