With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) on UK roads, it’s only natural to start wondering what happens when they reach the end of their life. Whether your electric car has been involved in an accident, failed its MOT, or just isn’t worth repairing anymore, the big question is – can you scrap an electric car?
The short answer is yes, you can. But the process is a little different from scrapping a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle. Let’s break it down.
Are Electric Cars Treated the Same as Petrol or Diesel Cars?
Not exactly. While the basic process of scrapping a vehicle remains similar – the car is collected, dismantled, and recycled – electric vehicles contain components that need special handling.
The main difference? The battery.
EV batteries are large, high-voltage, and potentially hazardous if not dealt with correctly. This means not every scrapyard is equipped to handle them. You’ll need to find an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) that is licensed to deal with electric vehicles and their batteries safely.
What Happens to the Battery?
The battery is the heart of an electric car, and it’s also one of the most valuable parts. Depending on its condition, it can follow a few different paths:
- Reused – If the battery still holds charge, it might be reused in another EV or even repurposed for home energy storage.
- Recycled – If it’s no longer usable, specialist recyclers can extract valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
- Disposal – In rare cases where recycling isn’t possible, the battery must be disposed of safely following strict environmental guidelines.
Because of these complexities, scrapping an EV usually requires more expertise and regulation than a standard vehicle.
Do You Get Paid to Scrap an Electric Car?
Yes, just like petrol or diesel cars, you can still earn money when scrapping an electric vehicle. In fact, due to the high value of components like the battery, copper wiring, and rare earth metals, you might even get more than you would for a conventional car.
That said, the exact amount you’ll get depends on:
- The make and model of your EV
- The condition of the battery
- The demand for used EV parts
- Current scrap metal prices
Want a quick valuation? You can get an instant quote online with us in seconds.
Can All Scrap Yards Take Electric Cars?
Unfortunately, no.
Because of the added risks and regulations surrounding EVs, not every scrapyard is qualified to scrap them. Look for an ATF with experience handling electric vehicles. It’s important they follow environmental best practices – especially when it comes to the battery.
We work exclusively with licensed treatment facilities that are set up for scrapping electric and hybrid vehicles, so you can be confident your car is being handled properly.
What Paperwork Do I Need?
Scrapping an electric car involves the same documentation as scrapping any vehicle in the UK:
- V5C logbook (to transfer ownership)
- Proof of identity
- A Certificate of Destruction (CoD), issued by the ATF once the car has been scrapped
You’ll also need to notify the DVLA that the vehicle has been scrapped. If you don’t, you could still be held responsible for the vehicle.
Is It Environmentally Friendly to Scrap an Electric Car?
When done properly – absolutely.
Scrapping an EV through a licensed facility ensures that materials are recycled and reused wherever possible. In fact, some parts of your electric car could end up living a second life in another vehicle, home battery pack, or even renewable energy system.
By scrapping your electric car responsibly, you’re playing your part in keeping waste to a minimum and supporting the circular economy.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If your electric car has reached the end of its road, scrapping it is not only legal but often the most sensible and environmentally responsible option. Just be sure to choose a company that knows what they’re doing and can handle electric vehicles safely.
At Scrap My Car Company, we work with fully licensed treatment facilities and offer fair prices for electric and hybrid vehicles. Whether it’s a Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3, Renault Zoe, or anything in between – we’ll help you scrap it safely, legally, and with zero hassle.
Quick Tips Before You Scrap Your Electric Car
- Remove personal data – Some EVs store navigation history, paired phones, and even home addresses.
- Check for charger cables – You might be able to sell these separately or keep them as spares.
- Shop around – Not all EV scrap prices are equal. Get multiple quotes if you can.
Got an electric car that’s ready to be scrapped?
Get a no-obligation quote from us today – it’s quick, free, and there’s no pressure to accept.
