Why Hybrid Catalytic Converters Are Valuable
It’s no secret that catalytic converters have a resale value, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the manufacturer and year. While extremely expensive catalytic converters would seem to be limited to high-end exotic cars like Ferraris, there is a very common catalytic converter that is also incredibly valuable. Most hybrid vehicles have a catalytic converter that can sell for over a thousand dollars, and the owners are oblivious to it. Since many automotive manufactures are aiming to produce less emissions with their vehicles more hybrids can be anticipated on our roads. If you are a hybrid vehicle owner you should be aware that not only, can you sell their scrap converter for a good profit, when necessary, but that your catalytic converter is also a target for criminals. So, what makes hybrid converters unique, and what makes them so valuable?
The catalytic converter, which is made of the precious metal’s platinum, palladium, and rhodium, is designed to be the last line of defense against toxic emissions entering the air we breathe. These metals are considered rare, and their prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. These noble metals catalyze the oxidation of toxic elements, resulting in the production of breathable air from the inner workings of our vehicles. To work effectively and efficiently, a catalytic converter must typically reach a light-off temperature. The longer it takes for the converter to reach the light-off temperature, the more precious metals are required.
Because hybrids switch from electric to gas power, the catalytic converter typically operates on a cold start. As a result of running on a cold start, more precious metals are required in the converter to compensate. Some hybrid vehicles even have two catalytic converters, which can be sold for twice the value!
Now that you know why hybrid vehicle catalytic converters are so valuable, you should take precautions to avoid theft. Criminals steal hybrid converters for the precious metals they contain, and as the value of these metals rises, so does the theft.
