Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) battery recycling in Yokohama, Kanagawa
Yokohama, Kanagawa is a diagnostics site: Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) packs arrive here from intake yards for module-level capacity, resistance and impedance testing, which decides reuse or refining.
Pack value at 80% SOH
3,545 USD
Hybrid Split
Second-life share
47%
At 80% SOH
Site capacity
21,000 TPA
Cell Grading & Diagnostics
Cities served
3
From Yokohama, Kanagawa
Where a Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) pack goes from Yokohama, Kanagawa
- 1
Collected via Ulsan, South Korea
Whole packs enter the network at Ulsan — Korea Recovery Campus, 935 km away, where they are weighed and de-energised.
- 2
Module grading at Yokohama, Kanagawa
All 3 modules are tested for capacity, DC resistance and impedance, then assigned grade A to D.
- 3
Second life at Gothenburg, Sweden
At 80% SOH about 47% of the pack qualifies for reuse and goes to Gothenburg — Nordic Second-Life Campus (8,567 km). Moderate — structural pack bonding limits module harvesting; cell-level grading required.
- 4
Refined at Ningde, Fujian
Remaining modules are shredded to black mass and refined at Ningde — Fujian Refining Base, 2,142 km away.
| Stage | Facility | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest intake yard | Ulsan — Korea Recovery Campus | 935 km |
| Nearest second-life works | Gothenburg — Nordic Second-Life Campus | 8,567 km |
| Nearest refinery | Ningde — Fujian Refining Base | 2,142 km |
Faster option
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 Yokohama, Kanagawa 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
Yokohama, Kanagawa site notes
- Provide serial lists and vehicle information.
- Engineering packs need architecture details.
- Damaged packs require declaration.
- Port-linked shipments need documents in advance.
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 Japan
Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources and the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Act
Regulator: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of the Environment
The works operates under Japanese waste and recycling laws, including the rules for end-of-life vehicle recycling. Transport follows Japanese dangerous goods regulations.
Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) in Yokohama, Kanagawa: common questions
Can I drop off a Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) battery at Yokohama, Kanagawa?
Yokohama, Kanagawa is a cell grading & diagnostics and does not accept whole packs from customers. Book a collection and the pack enters the network at Ulsan, South Korea, 935 km away.
What happens to Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) modules after Yokohama, Kanagawa?
Collected via Ulsan, South Korea, then Module grading at Yokohama, Kanagawa, then Second life at Gothenburg, Sweden, then Refined at Ningde, Fujian. 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 Japan?
Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources and the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Act, overseen by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of the Environment. Lithium-ion batteries move as dangerous goods under national road and marine rules, with UN 3480 / UN 3481 packaging.
Cities collected by Yokohama, Kanagawa
Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) at other sites
Other passenger packs at Yokohama, Kanagawa
Retiring Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) packs near Yokohama, Kanagawa?
Share pack counts and condition. The despatch desk confirms a collection window within one working day and sends the right packaging.