Blog
What Is The Factory Price For Lithium Battery Recycling?
Factory pricing for lithium battery recycling typically ranges from ¥7-10 per kilogram depending on volume and material composition. Bulk orders exceeding 8,000 kg often secure rates at ¥7/kg, while mid-sized batches (3,000-5,000 kg) may reach ¥8/kg due to processing complexity. High-value cobalt-rich cells like 18650s or EV battery packs command tiered pricing—¥120-200 per complete module—based on remaining capacity and chemical composition.
How to Determine the Year of Your Forklift by Serial Number
What factors dictate lithium battery recycling prices?
Market demand for cobalt/nickel and battery state of health (SOH) primarily determine pricing. Cobalt-rich NMC cells often yield 15-30% higher value than LiFePO4. Pro Tip: Pre-sort batteries by chemistry before bulk sales—recyclers pay premiums for homogeneous batches.
Market dynamics show cobalt prices directly influence lithium recycling economics. When cobalt hits $40/kg, 18650 cell recycling margins increase 22% compared to $25/kg markets. The global battery recycling market, valued at $18.1 billion in 2025, drives competition through automated hydrometallurgical processes that recover 95%+ precious metals. For example, a 500kg batch of EV-grade NCM811 cells might fetch ¥9/kg versus ¥7.5/kg for consumer electronics LiCoO₂ cells.
How do volume commitments affect factory pricing?
Recyclers implement tiered volume discounts with multi-tier thresholds. Contracts surpassing 20 tons/month often include bonus payments for consistent supply. Conversely, sporadic sub-5 ton shipments incur 10-15% handling surcharges.
Want OEM lithium forklift batteries at wholesale prices? Check here.
Three key volume brackets dominate negotiations: 1) Spot purchases <3 tons (¥6.50-7.80/kg), 2) Quarterly contracts 5-15 tons (¥7.20-8.40/kg), and 3) Annual commitments >50 tons (¥8.80-10.20/kg). A 2025 industry survey revealed 68% of recyclers offer 2-year price guarantees for 100+ ton annual commitments. For instance, a battery OEM supplying 80 tons/month of LFP cells secured ¥9.30/kg through advanced metal yield-sharing agreements. Transitional pricing models now incorporate real-time LME nickel futures tracking.
| Volume Tier | LiCoO₂ Price/kg | NMC Price/kg |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 tons | ¥7.20 | ¥8.90 |
| 5-20 tons | ¥7.80 | ¥9.60 |
| 20+ tons | ¥8.40 | ¥10.30 |
Redway Battery Expert Insight
How to Choose and Maintain Doosan Forklift Batteries Effectively
FAQs
Yes—18650 cells command 8-12% higher rates than prismatic cells due to standardized dismantling. EV modules require 15-25% preprocessing labor costs.
Can I negotiate pricing for mixed chemistries?
Most plants deduct 18-35% for heterogeneous batches. Pre-sorted LiFePO4/NMC batches secure optimal rates through digital material passports.
