Tips on scrapping an electric car in the United Kingdom in 2024

They are the “newies”, but while they have only been on the market for a short time, they are certainly the future. But despite this, some are already starting to need scrapping, especially if they have been involved in a serious accident and cannot be repaired or because the cost of this it's too much, and It does not worth it. Just in case you don't know what we are talking about, we are of course talking about electric cars. And although at first glance it may seem that there is little difference between scrapping a conventional car versus scrapping an electric car in UK, there are important details to bear in mind, as the operating systems are quite different. That's why we've put together this short guide about the main differences and things to consider when scrapping an electric car.

It must be done at an authorised site only

Of course, the operation must be carried out by an ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility) that can issue a Certificate of Destruction of the Vehicle (COD). But it must also be a site with experience in scrapping electric cars, as dismantling an electric car is potentially dangerous.

What's dangerous about scrapping an electric car?

Risk of electrocution

This is the biggest threat when scrapping an electric car. The lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles are much more powerful than the 12 volt batteries in traditional cars. If the electrical systems of electric cars are not handled carefully, the operator could suffer a life-threatening electric shock. For this reason, scrapyard personnel must be properly trained in handling of electric cars.

Fire risk

Just as there is a risk of electrocution, there is a risk of the car catching fire. Trained personnel will know exactly how to handle the electrical circuits to avoid this. In the event that an electric car battery catches fire, this fire will be difficult to extinguish. Therefore, the utmost caution must be exercised.

Toxic smoke

Due to the nature of batteries, they can give off toxic fumes that can cause severe respiratory problems.

Batteries should be treated differently

The main difference is that while the batteries in combustion engine cars only have the task of starting the vehicle, the batteries in electric cars are responsible for supplying power to the engines and are made of very different components. For this reason, the treatment after disassembly them must be totally different. Furthermore, the after treatment of these batteries, which contain a large amount of heavy metals and chemicals that should be more easily recycled, is not yet fully defined. Manufacturers still have work to do in this area, building electric cars that are easier to recycle.

What about the rest of the car?

The rest of the car will be treated in the same way as a traditional vehicle. Once the usable and saleable parts and the battery have been removed. The remains will be crushed as any other car.