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BMW and the Mini brand announced this week about their plans in transition to make aluminum wheels by using only renewable energy starting in 2024.
The electrolysis process, which is used to make aluminum and in the wheel-casting stage of construction, will have a lower carbon footprint using green power. BMW predicts that these measures will help reduce CO2 emissions by 500,000 tonnes per year.
“Green power is one of the biggest levers for reducing CO2 emissions in our supply chain,” said Joachim Post, head of purchasing and supplier networks for BMW. “We have already signed more than 400 contracts with our suppliers, including suppliers of wheels and aluminum, requiring them to use green power,” He added.
The efficiency with which aluminum may be recycled also aids BMW in its mission. The German manufacturer intends to utilize this property to melt down old wheels and reuse the material to create new ones.
As for the Mini brand, Mini will be a pioneer in this field, with the Mini Countryman set to debut light-allow cast wheels composed of 70% recycled aluminum in 2023. These wheels, when made with 100 percent renewable energy, can reduce CO2 emissions in manufacturing by up to 80% throughout the production process.
BMW Group buys roughly 10 million light-alloy wheels each year, 95% of which are constructed of cast aluminum, these will be significant savings for the company. As such, ensuring that they're created using green power is a difficult task, but one that will help BMW in its mission to become a green automaker.
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