BMW plans to stop buying cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when its fifth generation of electric vehicles is introduced from 200, said board member Andreas Wendt. The carmaker's decision comes amid more general concerns over working conditions and child labour. BMW has been working with partners, including German development agency GIZ, on the technical development of batteries and the sustainability of mining, including miners' living conditions. The partnership will continue for the next three years. Meanwhile, BMW will open an in-house battery cell development competence centre this year.
BMW plans to stop buying cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when its fifth generation of electric vehicles is introduced from 2020/21, said board member Andreas Wendt. The carmaker's decision comes amid more general concerns over working conditions and child labour. BMW has been working with partners, including German development agency GIZ, on the technical development of batteries and the sustainability of mining, including miners' living conditions. The partnership will continue for the next three years. Meanwhile, BMW will open an in-house battery cell development competence centre this year.