We certainly are. On the one hand, aluminum is lightweight, robust and infinitely recyclable, making it an ideal material for the design of electrified vehicles. But the problem is that its production typically generates huge amounts of carbon emissions. With a view to reducing our supply chain’s carbon footprint, the BMW Group has entered into an agreement with the Rio Tinto company and its partners. They have developed an electrolysis procedure that eliminates all carbon emissions generated during the smelting process. The potential for carbon reductions within the aluminum supply chain is considerable.

With the new generation, MINI offers a completely leather-free interior. This is made possible in particular by the use of sustainable, partly recycled materials. Leather-free surfaces reduce CO2 emissions by 85% along the value chain. 



This means that new types of animal-free materials are used for the seats, steering wheel and gear stick, which are also as robust and easy to grip as animal leather. Depending on the equipment variant, artificial leather made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and/or textile is used. Compared to normal leather, synthetic leather is increasingly animal-friendly and much more sustainable. The production involves fewer pollutants, and no animals are harmed.

The BMW Group is working to significantly optimise the entire cell-module battery storage system and raise the energy density of battery cells while at the same lower the costs for materials used and production. The recyclability of the battery is an important aspect that provides input for the development of future battery cell generations. Furthermore, we are already conducting intensive research into solid-state battery technology. 
We should also mention that thanks to space-saving components such as our particularly flat, high-voltage battery, which is also produced at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig, the new all-electric MINI Countryman offers additional space and even greater comfort.