BMW i3 Battery Replacement: Core Return Policy – Why Most Suppliers Charge You Twice (And How CNS Lets You Keep Your Old Pack—No Strings Attached)
“I ordered a replacement i3 battery from a ‘discount’ supplier. Their quote was $5,200—but buried in fine print: ‘$800 core charge due at delivery unless original pack returned within 14 days.’ My old pack weighed 230 kg, and no local shop would take it. I paid the fee. Later, I learned CNS doesn’t require returns at all. That $800 wasn’t a deposit—it was a hidden markup.”
You’re ready to replace your aging i3 battery.
You compare prices—and see confusing terms like:
“Core required,” “Deposit refundable,” “Return shipping not included.”
Suddenly, your “affordable” upgrade comes with logistical nightmares and surprise fees.
And you ask:
“Do I really have to ship back a 500-pound high-voltage unit… just to get a discount I never agreed to?”
The truth?
Core return policies are often profit centers—not environmental programs. Many suppliers resell your old pack as “refurbished,” while charging you for the privilege of returning it.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How core charges inflate real costs (even when advertised as “refundable”)
- The hidden risks of returning degraded packs (liability, shipping, damage)
- Why CNS BATTERY includes no core requirement—ever
- What to do with your old pack safely and legally
- And how skipping returns actually supports better recycling practices
Because your upgrade should simplify life—not add hazardous logistics.
What Is a “Core Return” Policy—And Why It’s Problematic
A core charge is an extra fee added to your invoice, refundable only if you return your old battery within a set window (usually 14–30 days).
On paper, it sounds eco-friendly:
“We recycle your old pack responsibly!”
In practice, it often means:
- ❌ Upfront cost increase (you pay more before seeing savings)
- ❌ Heavy, hazardous shipping (carriers like FedEx refuse HV batteries)
- ❌ Strict condition rules (dents, leaks, or missing labels = forfeited refund)
- ❌ Time pressure (miss the window by one day? Deposit gone.)
⚠️ Reality: Most suppliers don’t recycle cores—they refurbish and resell them, creating a secondary market built on your inconvenience.
💰 Real Cost Comparison: With vs. Without Core Charge
| Supplier Type | Advertised Price | + Core Deposit | Net Cost If Not Returned | Hassle Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Refurbisher | $5,200 | +$800 | $6,000 | High (heavy return, strict rules) |
| Dealer/OEM | $14,000 | None | $14,000 | Low (but price prohibitive) |
| CNS BATTERY | $7,800 | $0 | $7,800 | None |
📌 Key insight: No core policy = transparent pricing. What you see is what you pay.
Why CNS Doesn’t Require Core Returns—Ever
We believe your old battery is your responsibility to dispose of—not ours to profit from. Here’s why we skip core charges:
✅ No hidden fees—price quoted is final
✅ No logistical burden—you keep or recycle locally
✅ No risk of forfeited deposits due to shipping delays or minor damage
✅ Ethical stance: We don’t resell used packs as “upgrades”
Instead, we focus on what matters:
- Delivering brand-new CATL cells in every pack
- Providing 2-year/80,000 km warranty with no strings
- Offering lifelong technical support—not just a transaction
“After paying $750 core fees twice (once to buy, once to return), I switched to CNS. Paid once. Installed once. Done.”
— Mark T., California
What Should You Do With Your Old i3 Battery?
Even without a return requirement, never abandon or landfill your pack. Lithium-ion batteries are hazardous waste.
✅ Best option: Take it to an authorized EV battery recycler
- Most major cities have certified facilities (search “EV battery recycling near me”)
- Some auto recyclers accept i3 packs—call ahead
✅ Alternative: Ask your installer—many shops partner with recyclers
❌ Never:
- Leave it curbside
- Sell it online (illegal in many regions)
- Store it long-term indoors (thermal runaway risk)
💡 Pro tip: Remove the orange HV service disconnect before transport—it de-energizes the pack for safer handling.
The Environmental Myth Behind Core Policies
Suppliers claim core returns “support sustainability.” But consider:
- Shipping a 230 kg pack burns diesel and emits CO₂
- Many “returned” packs are resold, not recycled
- True recycling happens locally, not after cross-ocean freight
By letting you handle disposal in your region, CNS reduces transport emissions and empowers local circular economies.
Frequently Asked Questions: Core Returns & Old Packs
Q: Does skipping core return hurt the environment?
A: No—if you recycle locally, it’s more sustainable than long-haul shipping.
Q: Can I sell my old pack to offset costs?
A: Not legally in most countries. Used HV batteries require certified handling.
Q: Will CNS buy back my old pack?
A: No—we don’t trade or resell used batteries. Focus is on new-cell reliability.
Q: What if my installer requires a core?
A: Choose a different installer. Reputable EV shops understand modern no-core models.
Q: Are there tax benefits for recycling?
A: Rarely—but some U.S. states offer hazardous waste drop-off programs at no cost.
Stop Paying to Return What’s Already Yours
Your old battery isn’t a coupon—it’s a liability.
Don’t let suppliers turn it into a revenue stream.
Upgrade with Clarity, Not Conditions
With CNS BATTERY, there are no deposits, no deadlines, no returns—just a new, warrantied pack that works from day one.
Get a fair price. Keep your peace of mind:
👉 https://cnsbattery.com/ev-battery-home/ev-battery-contact/