Mercedes-Benz is advancing its efforts to lessen the environmental impact of its electric vehicles by integrating low-carbon aluminum into manufacturing. The move aligns with the luxury carmaker’s overarching plan to achieve greater decarbonization across its operations.
The aluminum, supplied through a partnership with Norwegian metal producer Norsk Hydro, is used in manufacturing Mercedes-Benz’s new electric CLA model.
The companies did not provide a detailed cost breakdown but revealed that producing the new CLA led to a 40% decrease in CO₂ emissions compared to the earlier non-electric version. Norsk Hydro’s CEO, Eivind Kallevik, explained that decarbonizing supply chains can be expensive, but strategic partnerships help distribute the financial load, preventing it from resting entirely on manufacturers or consumers.
He further noted that despite the added cost of the metal, buyers remain undeterred.
The aluminum made for Mercedes-Benz at Norsk Hydro’s Aardal facility in Norway only generates 3 kg of CO₂ emissions per kilogram, which is considerably lower than the global average of 16.7 kg, the companies reported. This reduction is partly due to the inclusion of 25% recycled aluminum scrap, which reduces reliance on primary metal produced through energy-intensive processes.
Under its ‘Ambition 2039’ strategy, Mercedes-Benz declared its goal to use aluminum with a carbon footprint 90% lower than the European average in its vehicles by 2030. The company intends to achieve this by optimizing materials and cutting CO₂ emissions during electrolysis through the use of green electricity and advanced technologies.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kaellenius highlighted that the shift to sustainable materials is occurring amid wider industry challenges. He voiced concerns about the European Union’s plan to ban CO₂-emitting combustion engine vehicles by 2035, pointing to slow EV sales, rising competition, and weak demand as major obstacles facing the industry.
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