Introduction
Electric motors are found in many machines, especially vehicles. From power windows to electric fans and even EV drivetrains, modern cars contain multiple electric motors. When scrapping a vehicle, these motors often go unnoticed, yet they hold valuable metals like copper and aluminum. Before scrapping your car or selling motor components, it’s important to know what electric motors are worth.
Electric motor scrap, in particular, is valuable as it contains copper, steel, and other recyclable metals. This blog outlines the current electric motor scrap prices in Canada, what impacts the electric motor scrap price, and how to sell your electric motor scrap for the best price.
Where are Electric Motors Used in a Car?
Electric motor scrap includes used, broken, or old motors that are no longer functional. In vehicles, electric motors are found in many parts, such as:
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- Radiator cooling fans
- Windshield wipers
- Power window and seat motors
- Electric power steering systems
- EV propulsion motors
Motors are also found in household appliances and industrial equipment, but scrapped vehicles often yield several small to mid-sized electric motors that can be valuable when recycled properly.
Current Electric Motor Scrap Prices in Canada (as of July 2025)
Electric motor scrap prices are usually given per pound or metric ton. Here’s a general table showing average rates across Canada:
| Motor Type | Average Price per lb (CAD) | Average Price per ton (CAD) |
| Small Motors | $0.20 – $0.35 | $400 – $700 |
| Medium Motors | $0.35 – $0.55 | $700 – $1100 |
| Large Industrial | $0.50 – $0.70 | $1000 – $1400 |
| Electric Vehicle | $0.60 – $1.00 | $1200 – $2000 |
Prices can vary depending on location, scrap yard demand, and global metal markets.
What Affects Electric Motor Scrap Prices?
Scrap prices are constantly changing. Here are the main factors that dictate how much you will be paid for your electric motor:
1. Copper Content Inside the Motor
Copper is the most important metal in an electric motor, and is the most valuable. Electric motors have copper windings inside that carry electricity. The more copper a motor contains, the more valuable it is.
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- Small motors (from fans and mixers) have small and thin copper coils.
- Large industrial motors or EV motors have thick and large copper windings.
- Buyers typically gauge the copper based on the size and weight of the motor.
Some will even cut one open to see inside. The more dense the motor is, the more copper it probably contains, and the more it is worth.
2. Global Copper and Metal Market Prices
Electric motor scrap prices move up and down with the global price of copper. If copper prices rise, scrap yards pay more for motors. If copper prices drop, payouts fall too.
Copper prices change daily and depend on:
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- Global supply and demand
- Mining activity
- Export/import levels
- Inflation and currency value
- Geopolitical risks (wars, trade restrictions)
Also Read: Scrap Car and Metal Prices in Ontario: What You Can Earn and Why They Fluctuate
3. Motor Condition and Cleanliness
Scrap yards check how clean your motor is before giving you a quote. They want motors that are easy to process. Dirty or mixed motors reduce your payment.
Here is how they judge the condition:
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- Clean motor: No oil, rust, or plastic parts attached
- Dirty motor: Covered in grease, with wires or plastic housings still attached
- Contaminated motor: Contains other materials like wood, glass, or insulation
Clean motors save processing time and give better copper recovery. You might earn 10–15% more just by cleaning and stripping off non-metal parts.
4. Geographic Setup and Demand
Geographically, where you are in Canada could affect what you get. Prices vary by region due to transportation costs, local demand, and access to recycling centers.
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- For example, in a large city such as Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, prices will be very slightly higher due to a high volume of scrap and rapid reselling.
- In remote areas, you may get lower pricing due to limited buyers and high logistics costs.
Overall, provinces with a highly active recycling industry will generally provide better prices than those without. Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia have competitive rates for scrap motors.
5. Weight and Quantity You’re Selling
The higher the weight of the motors that you bring into a scrapyard, the higher the price you may be able to negotiate. Scrap yards often pay cash for the following:
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- Retail rates for small loads (a load under 100 lbs)
- Bulk rates for large loads (a load of 100 lbs)
- Premium rates for an industrial load (a load over 1000 lbs or from a business).
Some yards even offer pick-up service if you have a large quantity. If you are only selling one motor or two motors, do not expect any better than standard prices. However, if you are cleaning out a garage, factory, or farm, make sure to ask for a bulk quotation.
6. Type of Electric Motor
Not all motors are the same. Some types bring in more money because of higher copper content or demand.
| Motor Type | Key Value Driver | Typical Price Range (CAD/lb) |
| Small Appliance Motor | Low copper content, high volume | $0.20 – $0.35 |
| HVAC or Compressor | Medium copper, easy to recycle | $0.35 – $0.55 |
| Industrial Motor | High copper, often sold in bulk | $0.50 – $0.70 |
| EV Motor | High copper and aluminum, rising demand | $0.60 – $1.00 |
Yards may test or inspect motors before finalizing prices. So, always label or group different types separately when delivering them.
How to Maximize the Value of Scrap Motors from Cars
If you’re scrapping a vehicle, be sure to remove the motors before sending it to the yard. These small components can bring in extra cash, especially if cleaned and sorted properly. A few power window motors, a fan motor, and an EV traction motor can quickly add up in value
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- Remove All Parts: Remove anything plastic (covers, wires, etc.), as well as anything that is non-metal. The cleaner the metal you bring in, the better the rates you will receive.
- Sort Everything by Type: Separate your motors by type and size. Some scrap yards will pay a higher price if you separate the electric motors into heavy-duty and small ones, for example.
- Ask About Bulk Rates: If you have over 100 lbs. of scrap motors, then make sure to ask if the scrap yard has prices for larger bulk amounts.
- Compare Buyers: If possible, get three or more quotes from buyers. Many yards will even remove the motors for you.
- Stay on Top of Metal Prices: Metal prices fluctuate frequently. Follow current prices for copper or motors at places like Scrap Monster and iScrap App, to make sure you get the highest prices available.
Also Read: The Ultimate Checklist: What to Remove Before Scrapping Your Car
Common Electric Motors Found in Cars
Vehicles often have multiple electric motors performing essential functions. When scrapping a car, you may recover:
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Radiator Fan Motors – Cools the engine; usually contains copper windings.
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Windshield Wiper Motors – Moderate-sized motor, easy to remove and sell separately.
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Power Window/Seat Motors – Compact but copper-rich.
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HVAC Blower Motors – Found in the air conditioning system.
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Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motors – Found in modern vehicles, replacing hydraulic systems.
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EV Drive Motors – Extremely valuable; high copper and aluminum content.
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Identifying and removing these can significantly increase your return from a vehicle you’re scrapping.
Final Thoughts
Electric motor scrap is worth something due to the copper, aluminum, and steel inside. Prices range in Canada based on the size of the motor, copper content, and demand. Typically, you should expect to get somewhere between $0.20- $1.00 per lb, depending on what type of motor you have. You will be able to earn more by cleaning your motors, sorting them, and then selling them in bulk.
If you’re scrapping a vehicle, don’t overlook the value of its electric components. At Greenway Auto Recycling, we make sure you get paid fairly for everything, including motors from EVs, fans, seats, and steering systems. Contact us today to get a quote for your scrap vehicle and its components. We are happy to offer you a fair price for your scrap motors.
