Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) battery recycling in Dubai, UAE
Dubai — Jebel Ali Logistics Yard takes whole Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) packs straight from fleets, dealers and workshops. Packs are weighed, de-energised and logged here before modules move on for grading or refining.
Pack value at 80% SOH
3,545 USD
Hybrid Split
Second-life share
47%
At 80% SOH
Site capacity
14,000 TPA
Reverse Logistics Yard
Cities served
1
From Dubai, UAE
Where a Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) pack goes from Dubai, UAE
- 1
Intake at Dubai, UAE
One pack per UN-rated pallet box, strapped and restrained, with terminals capped and coolant ports sealed. Each pack is weighed, photographed and discharged below 30% state of charge.
- 2
Graded at Warsaw, Mazovia
Modules travel 4,157 km to Warsaw — Mazovia Grading Centre for capacity, resistance and impedance testing across all 3 modules.
- 3
Second life at Zwickau, Saxony
At 80% SOH about 47% of the pack qualifies for reuse and goes to Zwickau — Saxony Second-Life Works (4,604 km). Moderate — structural pack bonding limits module harvesting; cell-level grading required.
- 4
Refined at Lyon, France
Remaining modules are shredded to black mass and refined at Lyon — Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Refinery, 5,003 km away.
| Stage | Facility | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest grading bench | Warsaw — Mazovia Grading Centre | 4,157 km |
| Nearest second-life works | Zwickau — Saxony Second-Life Works | 4,604 km |
| Nearest refinery | Lyon — Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Refinery | 5,003 km |
Inside the Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) battery
The Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) (2022) carries a 82 kWh NMC 811 Cylindrical 4680 pack with 3 modules at 355 V, weighing roughly 418 kg. Structural tabless format requiring specialised disassembly cells. High nickel yields offset elevated processing cost.
| Service year | SOH | Grade | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 2 | 94.2% | A — BESS ready | USD 4,607 |
| Year 4 | 89.9% | A — BESS ready | USD 4,425 |
| Year 6 | 85.6% | A — BESS ready | USD 4,162 |
| Year 8 | 81.3% | B — Second life | USD 3,674 |
| Year 10 | 77% | B — Second life | USD 3,281 |
What the chemistry means here
How it ages
Fade mechanisms mirror other NMC 811 cells. The tabless design lowers internal resistance and heat generation, which can slow resistance growth relative to older cylindrical formats.
Thermal behaviour
4680 cells carry the same high-nickel chemistry as 2170s but in a larger can with more energy per cell, so a single failing cell releases more heat. Structural packs also make it harder to isolate an individual failing cell during handling.
Handling NMC 811 (4680)
Collecting a Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) pack
82 kWh, 3 modules, about 418 kg — this is how the Dubai, UAE team plans the job.

Removal
Packs are dropped on a vehicle lift using the OEM procedure and a rated battery table, then isolated at the service disconnect.
Packaging
One pack per UN-rated pallet box, strapped and restrained, with terminals capped and coolant ports sealed.
Consolidation
Dealer and workshop returns are consolidated into full truckloads, typically eight or more packs per run.
Before the truck arrives
- Pull the service disconnect and record pack voltage
- Drain or cap coolant lines before lifting
- Photograph the pack casing and any impact damage
- Keep the VIN and pack serial together on the manifest
Dubai, UAE site notes
- Collections are scheduled to avoid peak heat.
- Export shipments need prior approvals.
- Declare damage in advance.
- Packs are kept in cooled storage.
What this pack yields
lithium
4.49 kg
nickel
29.01 kg
cobalt
2.91 kg
manganese
3.03 kg
copper
12.26 kg
aluminium
14.08 kg
Refining-route estimate at 80% SOH. Measured module health on the bench sets the final split.
Rules in United Arab Emirates
Federal Law No. 12 of 2018 on Integrated Waste Management
Regulator: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, with emirate-level authorities
The yard operates under UAE federal and Dubai environmental rules and free zone requirements. International shipments follow applicable waste and dangerous goods rules, including Basel Convention procedures where relevant.
Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) in Dubai, UAE: common questions
Can I drop off a Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) battery at Dubai, UAE?
Yes, by appointment. Dubai — Jebel Ali Logistics Yard accepts whole Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) packs; book a collection or a drop-off slot so the site can prepare packaging and paperwork.
What happens to Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) modules after Dubai, UAE?
Intake at Dubai, UAE, then Graded at Warsaw, Mazovia, then Second life at Zwickau, Saxony, then Refined at Lyon, France. At 80% SOH roughly 47% of the pack goes to second life and the rest is refined.
How should a Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) pack be prepared for pickup?
Pull the service disconnect and record pack voltage. Drain or cap coolant lines before lifting. Photograph the pack casing and any impact damage. Keep the VIN and pack serial together on the manifest.
Which rules apply to Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) recycling in United Arab Emirates?
Federal Law No. 12 of 2018 on Integrated Waste Management, overseen by Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, with emirate-level authorities. Dangerous goods transport follows federal and emirate rules, with frequent re-export by sea through Jebel Ali.
Cities collected by Dubai, UAE
Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) at other sites
Retiring Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) packs near Dubai, UAE?
Share pack counts and condition. The despatch desk confirms a collection window within one working day and sends the right packaging.
