Cox Automotive has announced a major milestone in electric vehicle battery recycling. The company revealed that its EV Battery Solutions division has successfully processed and recovered more than 10 million pounds of black mass, a key material containing valuable battery minerals used in manufacturing new batteries.
The achievement highlights the growing importance of recycling and lifecycle management as electric vehicles become more common in global transportation markets.
Rising Need for EV Battery Lifecycle Management
The milestone comes at a time when more electric vehicles are entering the secondary market. EVs represented roughly 5% of lease maturities in 2025, and the share is expected to exceed 12% in 2026 and reach nearly 23% by 2028.
As EV adoption increases, the need for safe battery diagnostics, repair, second-life applications, and responsible recycling is becoming critical. Recycling prevents batteries from ending up in landfills while helping maintain a steady supply of essential minerals needed for battery production.
Operational Approach to Battery Recovery
Through its EV Battery Solutions division, Cox Automotive focuses on extending the usable life of batteries through repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing, before moving to recycling at the end of the lifecycle.
The company uses proprietary depowering and dry-shredding technologies designed to reduce fire risk during battery processing. These systems help ensure safer handling and material recovery while protecting workers and nearby communities.
Advanced Recycling Facility in Oklahoma City
At Cox Automotive’s recycling center in Oklahoma City, technicians employ a patented dry recycling process that avoids the use of water and chemical treatments.
The process involves mechanical disassembly, shredding, and air-based material separation, enabling the recovery of valuable battery components. According to the company, the facility achieves material recovery rates of up to 94%, significantly reducing the need for virgin mining of battery minerals.
Importance of Black Mass in Battery Manufacturing
Black mass is a powder-like substance created during the mechanical recycling of lithium-ion batteries. It contains valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese, which can be refined and reused in the production of new batteries.
By recovering these materials, recycling programs help build a circular battery economy, reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainable EV production.
Sustainability Strategy and Industry Impact
The recycling milestone also contributes to the sustainability commitments of Cox Enterprises through its environmental initiative Cox Conserves. Since launching in 2007, the program has supported more than 500 sustainability projects and invested over $165 million in initiatives aimed at reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting biodiversity.
With global EV battery service facilities across the United States, Europe, and other markets, Cox Automotive is expanding its role in supporting the full lifecycle of electric vehicle batteries, from logistics and diagnostics to reuse and recycling.
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