How much is a scrap battery worth?
The value of a scrap battery depends on its type, capacity, and market conditions. As of April 2025, lead-acid batteries—commonly used in electric vehicles—have clear pricing benchmarks. For example, 48V12Ah units fetch 158–165元 ($22–23), while 48V32Ah models range from 360–380元 ($50–53). Higher-voltage systems scale proportionally: 60V32Ah ≈450元 ($63) and 72V32Ah ≈540元 ($75). Prices fluctuate with lead commodity rates, regional logistics costs, and battery specifications.
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What determines scrap battery pricing?
Three factors dominate: lead market prices, transportation costs, and battery capacity. Urban centers typically pay 5–8% more than remote areas due to lower logistics overhead.
Lead prices directly correlate with scrap value—a 10% increase in lead futures raises battery recycling rates by 6–7%. Capacity matters because larger batteries contain more lead; a 72V38Ah pack holds 28% more metal than a 48V20Ah unit. Pro Tip: Always check real-time lead prices on commodities exchanges before negotiating with recyclers. For instance, when Shanghai lead futures hit 18,500元/ton in March 2025, 48V20Ah battery values peaked at 258元.
How are multi-voltage battery values calculated?
Recyclers use per-cell baselines. A 48V system’s 4 cells establish pricing multiples: 60V (5 cells) = 48V price ×1.25; 72V (6 cells) = 48V price ×1.5.
| Battery | Cell Count | Price Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| 48V | 4 | 1.0x |
| 60V | 5 | 1.25x |
| 72V | 6 | 1.5x |
This scaling applies across capacities—a 48V32Ah pack at 360元 becomes 450元 for 60V32Ah. However, regional adjustments may apply; northern Chinese recyclers often deduct 3–5% for winter transportation surcharges. What if your battery uses non-standard cells? Always provide manufacturer specifications to avoid undervaluation.
Why do lithium batteries have different valuation methods?
Unlike lead-acid’s metal-content pricing, lithium batteries are graded by remaining capacity and chemistry type. LiFePO4 cells retain value better than NMC due to longer lifespan.
| Chemistry | Resale Value (2025) | Capacity Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| LiFePO4 | 35–45元/Ah | ≥70% |
| NMC | 25–35元/Ah | ≥80% |
A 100Ah LiFePO4 pack with 75% health might fetch 2,625元 ($367), while a degraded NMC unit at 65% could be rejected entirely. Pro Tip: Use battery testers to document remaining capacity—recyclers pay premiums for verified data. Imagine trying to sell a used EV battery without performance records; you’d likely receive lowball offers.
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FAQs
Partially—lead-acid units with cracked cases still yield 60–70% of standard rates if electrolyte remains. Lithium packs with physical damage are typically rejected due to fire risks.
How often do scrap prices change?
Lead-acid values update weekly with commodity markets. Lithium prices adjust monthly, reflecting cobalt/nickel market trends and recycling tech advancements.