Mercedes-Benz is enhancing the sustainability of its electric vehicles by incorporating low-carbon aluminium, produced in collaboration with Norwegian metals company Norsk Hydro. This initiative is part of Mercedes-Benz’s broader strategy to decarbonize its operations and reduce the environmental impact of its electric vehicle lineup. The new electric CLA model, utilizing this low-carbon aluminium, achieves a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to its non-electric predecessor.
The low-carbon aluminium is produced at Norsk Hydro’s Aardal plant in Norway, utilizing renewable energy sources and incorporating 25% recycled aluminium scrap. This production method results in just 3 kg of CO₂ emissions per kg of aluminium, significantly lower than the global average of 16.7 kg. Despite the higher costs associated with this sustainable material, both Mercedes-Benz and Norsk Hydro emphasize that consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products. This partnership exemplifies how collaborations can help share the costs of decarbonization, making sustainable practices more accessible in the automotive industry. More