Cox Automotive Recycles 10M Pounds of EV Batteries

Cox Automotive has recovered more than 10 million pounds of valuable materials from used electric vehicle batteries, proving that circular recycling can work at scale.

The company's EV Battery Solutions division reached the milestone at its Oklahoma City recycling center, where technicians use a dry recycling process that eliminates water and harsh chemicals. Through mechanical disassembly and air-based separation, the team extracts lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese, achieving up to 94% material recovery.

These recovered materials get refined and reused to produce new batteries, reducing the need for environmentally damaging mining operations. The dark powder-like substance containing these valuable minerals is called black mass, and keeping it in circulation creates a more sustainable battery supply chain.

The timing couldn't be better. EVs made up about 5% of lease returns in 2025, but that number is expected to jump to 12% this year and reach 23% by 2028. More used EVs means more batteries needing safe handling and responsible end-of-life solutions.

Cox Automotive takes batteries through their full lifecycle before recycling becomes necessary. The company operates facilities in Oklahoma City, Michigan, Las Vegas, Georgia, the Netherlands, and the UK, where technicians repair, refurbish, and remanufacture batteries to extend their useful lives.

"This milestone is proof that circularity in the EV battery ecosystem is moving from concept to scale," said Brian Skalovsky, director of battery recycling for EV Battery Solutions. Every pound recovered represents materials kept in productive use instead of heading to landfills.

The Ripple Effect

This breakthrough ripples far beyond one company's recycling bin. As electric vehicles become mainstream, the infrastructure to handle their batteries safely protects employees, facilities, and surrounding communities from fire risks and environmental hazards.

The achievement supports Cox Enterprises' broader environmental program, Cox Conserves, which has funded more than 500 sustainability projects since 2007. The company has invested over $165 million in initiatives that reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote cleaner energy.

Building circular systems for EV batteries helps solve one of electrification's biggest challenges. When valuable materials stay in circulation, the entire electric vehicle ecosystem becomes more sustainable and economically viable for the long term.

The path from gas-powered to electric transportation just got more responsible, one recycled battery at a time.