Refactoring: How the Second Life of Cars Is a Path to Reducing Emissions

Themes such as sustainability, circular economy, and the reduction of polluting emissions have become central to the automotive sector in recent years. While electric cars often seem like the best way to reduce environmental impact, this doesn't account for the vehicle's entire production and life cycle. Reconditioning used vehicles is becoming a reality for major automotive groups. In an era where sustainability and circularity have become key concepts for responsible development, at least in intent, reality often involves compulsive renewal and new purchases. This forgets how the production of new cars has a significant impact in terms of energy consumed, water used, raw materials extracted, dedicated logistics, and everything that follows. Another crucial point is the recycling of metal waste and the management of end-of-life vehicles, considering about 11 million vehicles are scrapped each year in Europe. The automotive sector in the Old Continent produces about 6 million tons of waste per year. The growth of the continental market (recycling plus spare parts) by 2030 is estimated at 50% (around 20 billion compared to 13 billion in 2021), thanks to manufacturers' decarbonization plans, potential supply chain difficulties, regulatory pressure, and growing consumer demand for circular economy solutions.
 
Renault Refactory
 
Automotive sustainability also involves used cars, which can become "like new" after a thorough Refactory process. Following this philosophy, the French group recognized the importance of giving a new life to previously owned vehicles that can assure high safety standards and comply with current environmental regulations. In 2020, Renault inaugurated Europe's first plant dedicated to mobility circularity. Named Factory VO (where VO stands for Véhicules d’Occasion), the conversion of the Flins site highlighted how the "second life" of cars can create value and ensure sustainable development. A perfect example of a circular economy, the restoration operation ranges from the bodywork to mechanical components and interiors. It also includes the repair and development of second-life applications for battery energy storage and the recycling and reconditioning of spare parts. Reconditioned vehicles meet the same quality standards as newly produced ones. An independent quality control system is integrated within the facility, as well as a battery qualification system for electric vehicles. Along with the Flins site, the plants in Seville, Spain, and Bursa, Turkey, have reconditioned more than 50,000 used vehicles since 2021. Specifically, the Refactory operates in four areas: Re-Trofit Center for used vehicle reconditioning; Re-Energy Center for the repair and development of second-life battery applications for energy storage; Re-Cycle Center brings together activities in recycling and reusing components and materials; Re-Start Center, which includes an innovation and training center project.