You can junk a hybrid or electric car, but the process differs from junking a traditional gasoline vehicle due to the high-voltage battery and specialized components.
Junking hybrid vehicles (Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Ford Fusion Hybrid):
- Most junk car buyers and salvage yards accept hybrids
- Hybrid batteries have resale value ($200 to $1,000+) if functional
- Hybrid catalytic converters contain more precious metals and are worth more ($100 to $300+)
- Buyers must handle high-voltage systems safely during dismantling
Junking electric vehicles (Tesla, Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt):
- Fewer buyers accept electric vehicles due to battery handling requirements
- EV batteries are valuable ($1,000 to $5,000+) but require specialized recycling
- Some scrap yards and junkyards are not equipped for EV battery removal
- EV-specific salvage yards and recyclers offer the best prices
Where to junk hybrid or electric vehicles:
| Buyer Type | Accepts Hybrids | Accepts EVs |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional scrap yards | Some | Rarely |
| Junkyards and salvage yards | Most | Some |
| Online junk car buyers | Yes | Varies |
| EV specialty recyclers | Yes | Yes |
Contact buyers directly to confirm they accept your vehicle type. Hybrid cars often bring higher offers due to valuable batteries and catalytic converters. Electric vehicles may require more research to find qualified junk car buyers equipped to handle them.