Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer futuristic, they’re the present. From daily commuters to delivery fleets, EVs are on the roads everywhere. But one question still confuses most car owners and even car yards: what happens when an EV battery loses its power?

Do you refurbish it and give it a second life? Or is it time to recycle it through a proper scrap car removal service? The answer depends on a key factor known as the State of Health (SOH) of the battery.

This simple metric determines how valuable, usable, or recyclable an EV battery really is. Let’s break it down in plain, easy-to-understand language, especially for those involved in car removal in Sydney or dealing with old electric cars. 

What Is SOH (State of Health)?

The State of Health (SOH) of an EV battery measures how much of its original capacity remains. In other words, it tells you how healthy the battery still is compared to when it was brand new.

  • A battery with 100% SOH is as good as new.

  • A battery with 80% SOH still works well but has lost some range.

  • Anything below 70% SOH usually signals that the battery is nearing the end of its useful life.

This number isn’t just a technical detail but it’s what decides whether a battery is worth refurbishing or should be recycled.

Refurbish or Recycle: What’s the Difference?

Before deciding what to do with a used EV battery, it’s important to understand these two options:

1. Refurbish (Second Life Use)

When a battery still has decent SOH (usually above 70%), it can often be refurbished. This means checking individual cells, replacing weak ones, and restoring performance. Refurbished batteries can be used for:

  • Powering smaller EVs or e-bikes.

  • Energy storage systems for homes or businesses.

  • Backup power units for solar installations.

Refurbishment extends the battery’s lifespan and reduces waste, perfect for owners who want to get more value out of their EV.

2. Recycle (End-of-Life)

If the SOH drops below 70%, the battery’s efficiency and safety drop significantly. At this point, recycling is the smarter choice. Recycling involves safely dismantling the battery and recovering valuable materials like:

  • Lithium

  • Nickel

  • Cobalt

  • Copper

These metals can then be used to create new batteries, closing the sustainability loop. This is where scrap car removal companies play a key role, ensuring batteries are handled safely and sent to certified recyclers.

Why This Matters for Vehicle Owners

If you own an old EV or hybrid, understanding SOH can save you money and effort. Instead of guessing what to do with your car’s battery, you can make an informed decision.

  • If your battery’s SOH is high: Refurbishment can be a great way to get extra years of use.

  • If your battery’s SOH is low: Opt for car removal or scrap car removal services that specialize in EV disposal. They’ll ensure it’s recycled responsibly and you get a fair payout.

In cities like Sydney, where eco-friendly policies are strong, many car removal Sydney services are now equipped to handle EV batteries safely.

The Growing EV Battery Market

Globally, the EV battery recycling market is booming. Every major car manufacturer, from Tesla to Hyundai is investing in recycling partnerships. Why? Because the metals inside old batteries are becoming more valuable than ever.

Instead of mining new lithium or cobalt, companies can recover these materials from used batteries, saving costs and protecting the environment.

For car removal companies, this means more business opportunities. An old electric car is not just a scrap vehicle anymore but it’s a mine of reusable metals.

How SOH Affects the Value of Your EV

When you go for car removal in Sydney or a scrap car removal service, the SOH of your EV’s battery directly affects how much cash you can get.

  • High SOH (80–90%) - Higher value because it can be refurbished or reused.

  • Moderate SOH (60–70%) - Mid-range value; may still be reused in stationary storage.

  • Low SOH (<60%) - Best for recycling; value depends on recoverable materials.

That’s why professional removal companies often check the SOH before quoting a price for your old EV or hybrid.

Environmental Benefits of Recycling

Recycling batteries isn’t just about money but it’s about protecting the planet. Each recycled battery reduces the need for new mining and prevents toxic waste from entering the soil and water.

Choosing car removal services that partner with certified recyclers ensures that your car’s parts and battery are repurposed in a sustainable way.

So, when you sell your old EV through scrap car removal programs, you’re doing more than just clearing space as you’re contributing to a greener future.

Conclusion

The future of electric mobility depends not only on how we build cars but also on how we handle their end-of-life stages. Understanding SOH thresholds helps both car owners and recyclers make smarter, more sustainable choices.

If your EV battery still has life, refurbishment gives it a second chance. If it’s too weak, recycling ensures valuable materials find a new purpose. For those in Sydney and across Australia, trusted car removal services make this process easy, offering fair cash, safe disposal, and eco-friendly handling.

Whether you drive an old hybrid or a first-generation EV, your car’s battery still holds value. Knowing its State of Health is the first step in deciding whether to refurbish or recycle and every choice you make moves us closer to a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future.