Cox Automotive's EV Battery Solutions business has processed more than 10 million pounds of black mass, a material containing minerals that can be refined and reused in new battery production, the company said March 12.

The milestone reflects Cox's role in managing EV battery lifecycles, including handling, logistics, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling.

Why This Matters

As more electric vehicles enter the used market, demand for battery service, reuse, and recycling is increasing.

• EVs accounted for about 5% of lease maturities in 2025 and are expected to exceed 12% in 2026, with projections reaching about 23% by 2028.

• More batteries will require service, second-life applications, and end-of-life recycling.

• Recycling helps keep materials in use and supports battery supply chains.

• Battery lifecycle management is becoming a growing operational need as EV adoption increases.

Battery Lifecycle Approach

Cox Automotive said recycling is part of a broader strategy to extend battery life through repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing, with recycling used when necessary.

The company uses depowering and dry-shredding technologies designed to reduce fire risk and support safer battery processing.

“This milestone reflects progress in scaling EV battery recycling,” said Brian Skalovsky, director of battery recycling for EV Battery Solutions at Cox Automotive, in a March 12 news release. “Recovered materials can be reused as more EVs enter the market.”

Lea Malloy, vice president of EV Battery Solutions, said the company’s approach focuses on extending battery life and supporting end-of-life recovery.

Battery Recycling Process

At Cox Automotive’s battery recycling facility in Oklahoma City, technicians use a dry recycling process that avoids water and chemical treatments.

The process includes mechanical disassembly, shredding, and air-based separation to recover materials. The company reports recovery rates of up to 94%.

Black Mass and Material Recovery

Black mass is a powder-like material created during battery recycling that contains metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. These materials can be refined and reused in new battery production, reducing reliance on newly mined resources.

Sustainability and Operations

The milestone supports Cox Enterprises’ sustainability program, Cox Conserves, which focuses on reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting environmental initiatives.

Cox Automotive’s EV battery services include storage, logistics, diagnostics, repair, and remanufacturing, along with recycling operations at facilities in:

• Oklahoma City

• Belleville, Michigan

• Las Vegas

• Conyers, Georgia

• Ede, Netherlands

• Rugby, United Kingdom

The company also supports battery services through select Manheim locations.