The BMW Group is again leading the way in terms of the circular economy. The new MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be the first mass-produced model to be built with wheels made exclusively from recycled aluminium.
"As a premium manufacturer, we integrated sustainability into development very early on," said Dr. Nicolai Martin, Senior Vice President of Automated Driving Development. "The light alloy wheels of the all-electric open-top four-seater are an excellent example of sustainable resource use and represent an important milestone on the road to a circular economy for the BMW Group." The first use of 100% secondary aluminium for light-alloy wheels in a mass-production vehicle is in collaboration with wheel manufacturer Ronal. The consistent use of recycled aluminium not only conserves raw material sources, but also eliminates the highly energy-intensive electrolysis process that is normally necessary for the production of light alloys.
Re : think - rediscovering the wheel
The BMW Group promotes the successful implementation of the circular economy according to the four core principles of Re:think, Re:duce, Re:use and Re:cycle, with the development of the first aluminium wheels made from 100% recycled aluminium alloy firmly aligned with these principles.
As the world's first open-top, all-electric luxury car to be produced in limited numbers, it is not only the alloy wheels, but also the new MINI Cooper SE Cabrio as a whole that has been completely redefined in terms of sustainability.
The combination of a lightweight 100% recycled aluminum wheel structure with aerodynamically optimized real metal inserts, as well as an innovatively designed center cap, offers a unique advantage that clearly differentiates the model from the competition. Made entirely from recycled lightweight alloy, it fully meets the structural requirements and high quality standards of the BMW Group, while its inserts optimise the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle, thus increasing the autonomy of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible. In other words, the innovative light-alloy wheels help to reduce the vehicle's carbon footprint in many respects - both in production and while driving.
Re : duce - significant carbon emission reductions from the use of recycled aluminium
By using secondary materials that have a carbon footprint of less than 0.16 kg of carbon per kg of aluminium, the wheel supplier has managed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions at its production facilities by up to 75% compared to conventionally produced wheels. Specifically, this means that carbon dioxide emissions are reduced from around 130 kg to 30 kg.
The excellent aerodynamic properties and lightweight design of the innovative aluminium wheels also make a difference on the road, as their fully inlaid outer surface significantly reduces drag. The weight-optimised design reduces the vehicle's unsprung masses overall, boosting efficiency and allowing the MINI Cooper SE Convertible to deliver the go-kart feeling that is a trademark of the brand.
Re : use - recyclability makes it possible not to use primary aluminium
The consistent application of circular economy principles has turned the joy of sustainability into an experience that the MINI community can experience. Drivers of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible with recycled aluminium alloy wheels are part of a pilot project that aims to gradually reduce the demand for primary raw materials. The aluminium wheels of the MINI Cooper SE Cabrio can also be fully recycled at the end of their life cycle. Participation in this cyclicality allows the BMW Group to continuously reduce the amount of aluminium that has to be produced through a primary and energy-intensive production process.
Re : cycle - Wheels made from recycled aluminium of superior quality
Secondary raw materials must also meet the BMW Group's high standards of quality, design, safety and mechanical properties. With the aluminium wheels for the MINI Cooper SE Convertible, the BMW Group has succeeded in establishing a cycle of materials for high-quality wheels for the first time, paving the way for the repeated use of the raw material. The use of wheels made from 100% recycled aluminium in a limited production model is the first proof that ambitious sustainability targets in terms of the circular economy are achievable. At the same time, the world premiere of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible sets the stage for the expansion of the innovative production process for use in future large-scale production models.
