Mercedes-Benz to cut CO2 in EV production with low-carbon aluminum

On the Dash:

• Mercedes-Benz has created its new electric CLA using low-carbon aluminum, which reduces production emissions by 40% compared to earlier models.
• The company produces this aluminum with renewable energy and 25% recycled scrap, resulting in only 3 kg of CO2 emissions per kilogram, compared to the global average of 16.7 kg.
• Partnerships with suppliers like Norsk Hydro enable Mercedes to share decarbonization costs while meeting the growing demand for environmentally friendly luxury vehicles from consumers.

Mercedes-Benz is utilizing low-carbon aluminum to manufacture its new electric CLA, resulting in a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to its non-electric predecessor. The move is part of the automaker’s broader effort to decarbonize operations and reduce the environmental footprint of its electric vehicles.

The aluminium is produced in partnership with Norwegian metals company Norsk Hydro, using renewable energy and incorporating 25% recycled scrap. The metal’s production generates just 3 kilograms of CO2 per kilogram of aluminum, far below the global average of 16.7 kilograms.

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Mercedes-Benz executives said that sustainability is now integral to their luxury vehicle production, and that the premium cost of low-carbon aluminium does not deter customers. The partnership with Norsk Hydro also helps share the costs of decarbonizing the supply chain, rather than placing the burden solely on the manufacturer or consumers.

Norsk Hydro noted that demand for low-carbon materials is growing, even amid a challenging aluminium market marked by slow economic growth. The companies emphasized that environmentally friendly raw materials are becoming a key differentiator for premium consumer products.

Mercedes-Benz has faced scrutiny in the past over sustainability claims, including a lawsuit in Germany related to environmental marketing that was dropped in 2022. The automaker stated that the use of low-carbon aluminium aligns with its broader strategy to reduce emissions across its entire EV lineup while maintaining performance and luxury standards.