Join each day information updates from CleanTechnica on electronic mail. Or comply with us on Google Information!
PORTLAND, Oregon – Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) is dedicated to decreasing the corporate’s general carbon footprint by integrating a complete round financial system method throughout its operations. This technique emphasizes repairing, remanufacturing, repurposing and recycling lithium-ion battery supplies utilized in all DTNA electrical autos (EVs).
With objectives to maximise battery lifespans and scale back materials waste, the round financial system method strives to increase the usability of rare-earth supplies and merchandise, thereby tackling world sustainability challenges. Leveraging superior expertise, DTNA can discern when a lithium-ion battery now not meets DTNA’s excessive requirements required for automobile use. This perception guides the choice on the optimum course of to maximise supplies for a second life, with restore taking priority every time potential.
Whereas batteries obtain important consideration resulting from their use of rare-earth metals like cobalt and nickel, DTNA’s method extends to all elements of the EV product.
“As a part of our dedication to maximizing materials life cycles, we meticulously assess environmental and moral implications from sourcing to post-production,” mentioned Rakesh Aneja, vice chairman and chief of Zero-Emission Transformation Group at DTNA. “Our major objective is to restore our lithium-ion battery supplies and scale back the consumption of latest sources.”
Remanufacture
When a battery or electrical automobile part is past easy restore, it enters the remanufacturing course of at current Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing places throughout the U.S. just like the just lately expanded Hibbing facility with supposed reuse in autos. This course of includes partial disassembly, module alternative and rigorous testing for optimized reliability. All remanufactured merchandise are up to date with the newest expertise and should meet or exceed new product requirements to be reintroduced to the market.
Remanufactured merchandise are an economical resolution that improves the overall value of possession, benefiting each DTNA’s clients and the atmosphere. Right this moment, the first EV elements for remanufacturing are Detroit batteries and eAxles, with potential for additional enlargement sooner or later.
Repurpose
DTNA has partnered with Nuvation Vitality to pilot a battery vitality storage system (BESS) designed to help in charging, peak shaving, backup storage and microgrid eventualities. This progressive resolution allows DTNA to repurpose batteries that can not be reused in a automobile.
“We’re thrilled to announce the incorporation of DTNA’s first battery vitality storage system models, designed by Nuvation Vitality utilizing Detroit battery modules, at Electrical Island later this yr,” continued Aneja. “Battery vitality storage techniques play a pivotal position within the electrical automobile ecosystem, given the escalating demand for charging infrastructure and limitations of the present energy grid. Because the variety of EVs on the street will increase, the present grid capability could battle to satisfy charging calls for. Vitality storage techniques alleviate this situation by facilitating off-peak charging, using saved energy when wanted, and decreasing reliance on the grid.”
Recycle
DTNA has created a course of in partnership with Li-Cycle, a number one lithium-ion battery useful resource restoration firm, to responsibly recycle vital battery-grade supplies for batteries that attain the top of their life cycle. Li-Cyle makes use of an environmentally pleasant and protected methodology that recycles batteries inside a liquid-based resolution, attaining as much as a 95% restoration charge for returning vital supplies again to the battery provide chain whereas producing minimal water discharge.
“This round method extends past simply batteries,” concluded Aneja. “We’re actively working to use this idea to different sides of our product growth, aiming to extend our utilization of reusable or recyclable supplies. Our objective is to proceed contributing positively to the preservation of our planet for future generations.”
Path to Web Zero Operations
Since 2006, DTNA has positioned a excessive precedence on establishing recycling options inside its manufacturing services. Early initiatives, corresponding to attaining ISO 14001 certification at each plant within the U.S. and Mexico by 2008 and Zero Waste to Landfill standing in any respect vegetation by 2017, underscore DTNA’s dedication to sustainable practices. Not solely does DTNA present sensible options for its manufacturing services, however it additionally communicates a transparent recycling technique to its clients from the outset.
In keeping with its sustainability objectives, DTNA goals to attain carbon neutrality for all new services and products from direct suppliers in Europe, the USA, and Japan by 2039. As early as 2020, the Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant, the place the Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 are constructed, achieved CO₂-neutral manufacturing by decreasing vitality consumption and offsetting on-site emissions. DTNA additional plans to attain CO₂-neutral manufacturing in any respect its remaining truck manufacturing vegetation by 2025.
Press launch from Daimler Truck North America.
Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Need to promote? Need to recommend a visitor for our CleanTech Speak podcast? Contact us right here.
Newest CleanTechnica.TV Movies
CleanTechnica makes use of affiliate hyperlinks. See our coverage right here.
