Tesla Model S 100 kWh battery pack Recycling and Second-Life Guide (2026)
Last updated: 30 April 2026
Tesla Model S 100 kWh battery pack: recycling and second-life options
Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on April 2026
The Tesla Model S 100 kWh battery pack (Tesla, 2017-2024) is a NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminium) battery pack with 100 kWh capacity, weighing 625 kg. End-of-life routes split between second-life applications (typically 5-10 more years of grid storage / stationary use) and full material recycling.
Material composition
A typical Tesla Model S 100 kWh battery pack contains:
- Lithium: 12 kg (lithium carbonate equivalent ~6x weight)
- Cobalt: 8 kg (spot ~$30/kg)
- Nickel: 78 kg (LME spot ~$18/kg)
- Copper: ~25-50 kg in busbars and current collectors
- Aluminium: ~30-60 kg in cell housings and pack structure
- Steel: pack enclosure
- Graphite: anode material
- Lithium-ion cathode active material: depends on chemistry
Second-life value
A Tesla Model S 100 kWh battery pack typically retains 70-80% capacity at the end of its first automotive life (8-15 years). At that point it has 5-10 more years of useful life in lower-cycle applications:
- Grid stabilisation: large fleet partnerships (B2U Storage Solutions, Connected Energy)
- Solar self-consumption storage: residential battery walls (some offerings repackage former EV cells)
- Off-grid power: marine, RV, off-grid cabin
Typical second-life market value: $8000-15000.
Where to sell: BatteryGenie, Re-Volv, B2U Storage Solutions, direct to integrators (Connected Energy in UK, Powervault).
Full recycling value
If second-life isn't viable (cell damage, capacity below 60%), full material recycling routes:
- Recycling value: $1200-2200
- Recycling cost: $0-500 (often net-positive at certified recyclers)
- Net economics: generally positive for NMC/NCA chemistries, slightly negative for LFP chemistries (lower precious-metal content)
Major battery recyclers:
- Li-Cycle (US, Canada, Europe) - hub-and-spoke model
- Redwood Materials (US) - integrated cell-to-cell recycling
- Umicore (Belgium, global) - integrated smelter
- Northvolt Revolt (Sweden) - in-process pre-bankruptcy
- Ecobat - lead-acid + lithium-ion
- Battery Recyclers of America (US)
Manufacturer take-back
In the EU, manufacturers are obligated under EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 (effective 2024) to provide free take-back for EV batteries. In the US, state-level laws vary - California's SB 615 (effective 2026) requires similar manufacturer responsibility.
Compliance and safety
EV batteries are classified as UN3480 / UN3481 (lithium-ion battery) under hazardous-materials transport regulations. Movement requires:
- Class 9 hazmat-certified transporter
- Damaged-pack protocol (typically requires container with non-conductive padding)
- Documentation: Bill of Lading + UN packaging certificate
Cannot be transported on a regular vehicle without certified packaging.
Sources
- US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory ReCell Center
- IEA Global EV Outlook 2024
- Tesla battery sustainability disclosure
- EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542
- LME spot prices for cobalt, nickel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a used Tesla Model S 100 kWh battery pack worth?
Second-life market value (for grid storage, residential battery wall, off-grid) typically $8000-15000. Full recycling material value $1200-2200. Almost always more economic to extend useful life via second-life rather than scrap.
How is a Tesla Model S 100 kWh battery pack recycled?
Major recyclers: Li-Cycle, Redwood Materials, Umicore. The 625 kg pack is dismantled, cells are tested for second-life eligibility (70%+ capacity), then non-viable cells go through hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical recycling to recover lithium (12 kg), cobalt (8 kg), nickel (78 kg), copper, and aluminium.
Is recycling a Tesla Model S 100 kWh battery pack profitable?
For NMC/NCA chemistries: typically yes, net positive $1200-2200 less $0-500 (often net-positive at certified recyclers) processing. For LFP chemistry: marginal or slightly negative due to lower precious-metal content.
Can I transport an EV battery myself?
No. EV batteries are UN3480/UN3481 hazmat-classified. Movement requires a Class 9 certified transporter with proper packaging and Bill of Lading. Damaged packs have additional protocol. Cannot be moved on a regular vehicle.