How to scrap an electric car in the UK

Two things mainly. First, the high-voltage battery pack has to be disconnected and handled by trained staff before the rest of the car can be touched, because a damaged HV pack is a genuine fire risk. Second, the battery itself often has more residual value than the rest of the car combined. A 2014 Nissan Leaf shell might be worth £200 as scrap metal, but the 24kWh battery (even with degradation) can fetch £400–£800 from refurbishers.

Depends on the battery. A first-gen (2011–2012) 24kWh Leaf with a dead pack might be £500–£700. A second-gen 30kWh Leaf with a dead pack £700–£1,200. A 2018+ 40kWh Leaf with a dead pack can hit £1,500–£2,500 because the cells are still useful for refurb. A Leaf with a working pack that someone just wants gone (rare) can clear £3,000+. Send us the reg and battery age and we'll quote properly.

Cat S EV with an intact battery is one of our higher-pay scenarios. The shell goes for parts and metal, and the battery goes to a refurbisher. Send us photos of the damage and the dashboard reading the battery state of health, and we'll quote accordingly. We typically pay 50–100% more than for the same car without the battery still being usable.

Yes, but we strongly insist on photos and a description of what happened first. A pack that's been involved in a thermal event needs specific recovery kit and route, and we won't accept the job until we've confirmed the right partner capability. Don't move the car if you suspect any pack damage, call us and we'll come with the right equipment.

Same collection time as a regular car (same-day if you book before 1pm). The depollution and battery-handling part takes longer, usually a few working days, because the HV pack disconnect, transport-mode prep and partner handover all have to be documented. You're paid on collection though, the longer process is on our side, not yours.

Hybrids are simpler than full EVs because the HV system is much smaller, but the battery still needs proper handling. Toyota and Lexus hybrid packs from 2010 onwards are well-supported by refurbishers, so an end-of-life hybrid taxi (which is most of our hybrid stock) typically clears £400–£900 depending on year and mileage. The drivetrain has parts value beyond the battery.

Yes. The CoD is issued via the standard ATF route. The only EV-specific addition is the battery disposal note, which goes alongside the CoD to confirm where the pack went. Both arrive within 7 working days of collection. Your DVLA record closes the same way as for any other scrapped vehicle.