Mercedes-Benz signs supply deal with Rock Tech Lithium for EV-ramp up

Mercedes-Benz AG has entered into a supply agreement with Canadian-German start-up Rock Tech Lithium Inc. to secure high quality lithium for battery production under a direct sourcing approach. This means that the Stuttgart luxury car manufacturer can supply its battery partners with the raw material from 2026, including a waiting period, in order to quickly increase its production of fully electric vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz plans to go fully electric by the end of the decade, market conditions permitting, forcing the three-pointed star brand to explore new sources of raw materials with new partners. As part of the agreement, Rock Tech Lithium plans to supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide to Mercedes-Benz battery partners from a converter in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany. Lithium hydroxide is required for the production of lithium-ion batteries used in Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles.

"This significant amount of lithium, coming directly from Rock Tech, will help Mercedes-Benz advance the localization of European production of state-of-the-art battery cells. With additional supply partnerships in the future, the average 10,000 tonnes of lithium per year will be a key part of securing." lithium supply for our battery production in Europe to help us achieve our ambitious electrification goals,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, responsible for Research & Development and Procurement.

"Lithium hydroxide from Rock Tech offers Mercedes-Benz the opportunity to support two strategic goals: local and reliable supply and production according to high sustainability standards. We are very pleased to have found a partner who will take important steps with us towards a more resilient lithium supply chain and who trusts us to realize an important part of his strategy and the transformation of e-mobility.", Markus Brügmann, Managing Director Rock Tech Lithium officer.
The strategic partnership between Rock Tech and Mercedes-Benz was announced at a German-Canadian summit in Toronto in August this year, after a memorandum of understanding was signed between Mercedes-Benz AG and Canada to intensify cooperation at all levels of automotive check value creation. Chain focused on natural resource development.
Under the supply agreement, the two companies will work together to create a roadmap to achieve zero-carbon lithium hydroxide production by the end of 2030. In addition, it requires that all lithium hydroxide supplied by Rock Tech be sourced from mine sites audited by the Initiative for Responsible Mining Insurance ("IRMA").

Responsibly sourced and processed raw materials form the basis of a fleet of sustainable, 100% electric Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Respect and protection of human rights and the environment are decisive criteria when selecting delivery partners. In close cooperation with its suppliers, the Stuttgart-based luxury car manufacturer with the three-pointed star is therefore working to find levers for constant CO₂ reduction and, together, to significantly reduce the amount of rare earths. .About Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz has set the course for CO2 neutrality: With the strategic change from "Electricity First" to "Electricity Only", the company is accelerating its transformation towards a fully electric future. By continuously integrating state-of-the-art battery cell technology in cars and vans, Mercedes-Benz wants to increase the range over the production life cycle of a model. Mercedes-Benz takes a holistic approach along the entire battery technology chain, from research and development to series production. The Stuttgart-based luxury car manufacturer purchases battery cells from various partners on the world market, giving it access to the latest technologies.

Mercedes-Benz has multiple battery partnerships with multiple suppliers in different regions: in Europe ACC and CATL, in the US Envision AESC and in China Farasis and CATL. Thanks to its well-founded know-how in the development and production of highly complex drive systems and its expertise in research and development in the field of battery cells, Mercedes-Benz works with its suppliers to meet the required specifications.About Rock Tech Inc.

Rock Tech is a cleantech company whose mission is to produce lithium hydroxide for electric vehicle batteries. The company plans to build converters at customers' doorsteps to ensure transparency in the supply chain and just-in-time delivery. In addition, Rock Tech has assembled one of the strongest teams in the industry. It feels responsible for adhering to strict ESG standards and plans to source raw materials from its own mining project in Canada as well as from responsibly producing mines. In the coming years, the company wants to obtain its material from used batteries. Rock Tech's goal: to create a closed-loop lithium business.