Aluminum EV Supply Chains
Mercedes-Benz Became First to Integrate Hydro CIRCAL for EVs
Adam Harrie — July 31, 2026Mercedes-Benz became the first European automaker to integrate Hydro CIRCAL into series production for its next-generation large electric vehicles, adopting recycled aluminum with at least 75% post-consumer content. This represents a sharp increase from the roughly 25% used in previously supplied material. The aluminum is recovered from end-of-life vehicles, buildings and infrastructure through advanced recycling processes before being returned to new automotive applications.
The partnership also deepens collaboration on low-carbon primary aluminum through Hydro REDUXA, produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy and carrying a carbon footprint more than 70% below the global average. Both companies aim to reduce this footprint further while building shorter, more resilient regional supply chains through localized aluminum collection and reprocessing.
Mercedes-Benz shows how high-content recycled aluminum can meet stringent automotive safety and quality standards while meaningfully reducing the carbon footprint of large-scale EV production.