Electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible to Feature Alloy Wheels Made From 100% Recycled Aluminium

The new MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be the first series model to be produced with alloy wheels that are made entirely from recycled aluminium. The consistent use of recycled aluminium not only conserves raw material sources, but also eliminates the particularly energy-intensive electrolysis process that is normally necessary to produce light alloys.

The first use of 100 percent secondary aluminium for light-alloy wheels on a series-production vehicle is in cooperation with the wheel manufacturer Ronal.

Drivers of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible with recycled aluminium alloy wheels are part of a pilot project aimed at gradually reducing demand for primary raw materials.

The alloy wheels can also be fully recycled at the end of their lifecycle.

Participating in this circularity enables the BMW Group to continually reduce the amount of aluminium that needs to be produced by means of an energy-intensive primary energy process.

Dr. Nicolai Martin, Senior Vice President Development Automated Drivingmat BMW, says: "As premium manufacturer we entrenched sustainability in the development from very early on. The light alloy wheels of the fully electric open-top four-seater are a prime example of sustainable resource use, and they represent an important milestone on the road to circular economy for the BMW Group.”

The BMW Group is pushing ahead with the successful implementation of a circular economy in accordance with the four basic principles to Re:think, Re:duce, Re:use and Re:cycle,