So, how many kilograms of copper are in a car? Turns out, more than you’d think. Copper isn’t just a bit of wiring here and there. It’s hiding in the starter motor, radiator, alternator, electric system, and even your aircon. And yep — the more tech in your car, the more copper it likely has stashed away under the bonnet. Copper’s electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity make it a critical component in both internal combustion engine cars and electric vehicles.
Do you have an old hatchback sitting out front, leaking coolant and looking sad? You might be surprised to know it’s carrying more copper than you’d expect — and that’s why wreckers like us are keen to haul it away. Whether it’s an unregistered rust bucket or a modern EV that’s carked it, copper plays a bigger role in car value than most people realise.
The Quiet MVP Inside Every Car
Have you ever popped the bonnet and felt like you’re looking at a spaghetti mess of wires? That’s your copper network right there. From old-school Holdens to fancy new hybrids, copper’s the silent workhorse behind every ignition, headlight, and heater fan.
Here’s the kicker: the amount of copper in a car varies based on the type of vehicle. On average:
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Copper Content |
|---|---|
| Petrol/Diesel Car | 8–22 kg |
| Hybrid Vehicle | 30–50 kg |
| Fully Electric Vehicle | 80–110 kg |
Electric vehicles (EVs) need tonnes of copper, with copper intensities up to five times greater than that of traditional internal combustion engine cars. EV batteries, auxiliary motors, power electronics, and 48V low-voltage systems all rely heavily on copper wire and copper foil. With the electric vehicle market seeing rapid growth, especially in Australia, the demand for copper will only keep climbing.
Where All That Copper Is Hiding
Not all copper is visible. In fact, most of it is buried deep inside components that only car wreckers and recyclers tend to mess with. We’re talking:
- Wiring harnesses snaking through the chassis
- Starter motors and alternators
- Electric window motors and central locking systems
- Radiators and heater cores
- Brake sensors and ABS systems
- EV batteries and inverters
- Power electronics and cable systems in electric vehicles
- Heating systems and cleaner energy modules
Copper is used for its physical properties, including strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for automotive applications. The copper of batteries, battery chemistry, and energy capacity of EVs all demand higher copper intensities, often measured in pounds of copper or lbs of copper per vehicle.
What’s the Link in Car Scrapping?
The reason blokes like us pay cash for clapped-out cars? It’s not the mouldy seats or the half-eaten servo pie in the glovebox — it’s the metals. Steel, aluminium, catalytic converters, and yep, copper.
As of 2025, the global cash price of copper is still hovering in the high AUD $11,000 per tonne range. That means every kilo — or every pound of copper — counts. More copper = better scrap value. Simple as that.
So if you’ve got:
- An older car with full electrics
- A hybrid that’s beyond repair
- An EV that’s cactus after a battery fire
…there’s decent copper weight sitting in that shell. That’s why we’re happy to tow it — even if the wheels fall off as we’re winching it up.
What Affects Copper in Your Car
Not all cars are created equal. The copper tally depends on:
- Age of the vehicle – Older models have simpler systems but beefier wiring; newer cars have more gadgets
- Type of drivetrain – Electric and hybrid vehicles have three to five times more copper per vehicle
- Luxury level – Power everything? More wiring and motors = more copper
- Aftermarket mods – Added a second battery, bull bar lights, and subwoofers? That’s extra cabling right there
- Battery model – Newer batteries with chemistry B or other advanced battery chemistry often require even more copper
- Size per vehicle – Larger cars or commercial vehicles use more wiring, which means more copper
One time, we picked up a 1995 Pajero from a bloke. Looked stock — until we opened the bonnet. Dual batteries, five spotties, trailer wiring, rear fridge setup — reckon it had more copper than a local electrician’s toolbox.
Copper’s Role in Scrap Value
Look, we won’t lie — copper alone won’t make your 2004 Camry worth a fortune. But when combined with:
- Catalytic converters
- Aluminium rims
- Steel chassis weight
- Batteries (lead acid or lithium)
- Power electronics and electric motor components
…that copper adds up. It’s part of the reason we offer fair prices, even for cars that are otherwise rough as guts.
Aluminium cable and aluminium wiring are sometimes used as alternatives to copper to reduce costs. But aluminium oxidises quickly and loses conductivity faster. That’s why copper remains the go-to for wired components in both ICEs and EVs.
How We Recycle Copper in Melbourne
At Old Cars Removed in Melbourne, we’ve scrapped more cars than we’ve had hot pies. The copper? It doesn’t go to waste.
Here’s how it works:
- Vehicle stripped – All copper-heavy parts removed
- Wiring looms extracted – Sorted by type and purity
- Copper is separated from aluminium and the plastic coating
- Weigh and sell to licensed scrap processors
We follow VIC’s strict recycling regulations and work with local approved facilities. Nothing dodgy. Nothing wasted. And with the automotive market shifting towards a cleaner energy future, this type of green infrastructure and recycling effort is a big part of the bigger picture.
Environmental Benefits
Copper is 100% recyclable without losing quality. Every kilo we pull from an old car reduces the need for new mining. That means fewer carbon emissions, less environmental damage, and a cleaner industry overall.
With initiatives like the 15-year Copper Technology Roadmap and global clean energy plans gaining traction, this is more than scrapping — it’s contributing to a buoyant future. Australian copper deposits, copper exploration projects, and copper-bearing minerals like copper sulphides and beryllium copper will play a part, but recycling’s still the quickest win.
FAQ
How much copper is in a typical old petrol car?
Usually between 10 to 20 kg, depending on wiring, motor systems, and whether it’s a basic model or packed with electrics. The average copper intensity is much lower than what you’d find in electric vehicles.
Is copper worth more than steel in a car?
Absolutely. Steel makes up more of the weight, but copper fetches a much higher price per kilo and is used in critical components like electrical wire, electric motors, and power mid-journey systems.
Can I strip the copper myself before scrapping the car?
You can, but it’s bloody time-consuming and messy. Plus, most wreckers pay more when the copper’s still intact — easier for processing and separation by electrical applications standards.
What car parts have the most copper?
Wiring harnesses, starter motors, alternators, EV battery systems, electronic modules, power electronics, and auxiliary motors are loaded with copper.
Do electric cars always have more copper?
Yes — a fully electric vehicle can have up to 110 kg of copper, thanks to its powerful motors, electrical motor wiring, and battery applications. Hybrid vehicles also use extra copper compared to standard petrol models.
