Mercedes-Benz is taking the next step towards sustainable and localized electric vehicle production by partnering with Rock Tech Lithium Inc., a German-Canadian startup. This article discusses the key details of the deal between the two.
According to Mercedes-Benz Group Media, the two companies have signed an agreement to supply high-grade lithium hydroxide refined in the new Rock Tech plant to Mercedes battery partners. This should be enough to cover the requirements of around 150,000 fully electric vehicles (EVs) of the German automaker.
With the groundbreaking ceremony for the new converter plant in Guben, the luxury car company is moving towards greater vertical integration in drive technologies to achieve its electrification goals in Europe.
Sustainability, Raw Materials Security, and Localization of Procurement
Mercedes is dedicated to achieving sustainability, ensuring the security of raw materials, and localizing procurement. The company’s objective is to produce state-of-the-art batteries in an environmentally-conscious manner. The inauguration of the new converter plant in Guben is a significant achievement in this pursuit.
Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the importance of the partnership with Rock Tech in securing the company’s lithium supply in the European region in his speech during the groundbreaking event of the two companies.
Advancing Collaboration throughout the Automotive Value Chain
The collaboration between Mercedes and Rock Tech is set to advance across all stages of the automotive value chain, emphasizing natural resources development. The companies involved in the agreement aim to attain carbon-neutral production of lithium hydroxide by 2030, obtained solely from mines verified by the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA).
By strengthening their partnership, Mercedes is positioned to increase its output of full EVs, hence, meeting its electrification objectives in Europe by its self-imposed 2030 deadline.