Tesla Battery Replacement Cost: How Much Should I Pay? (2024)

Spread the love

Tesla is currently the undisputed king of electric vehicles. Here’s the thing, though -even while EVs are the future, they are not resistant to damage and wear and tear. Though electric vehicles do not require yearly oil changes or radiator coolant refills, the battery pack does degrade over time. It can happen due to normal wear and tear or an accident, and you’ll want to replace it to keep driving.

Tesla battery replacement is much easier than, well, replacing the battery of your iPhone. It won’t be much of a hassle for a Tesla driver to replace the existing battery. But, one primary concern is – what the company will do with the old car batteries?

Tesla Battery Replacement Cost: How Much Should I Pay? (1)

You need to know a few things if you’re planning to be a Tesla owner. How long do Tesla batteries last? How much does Tesla battery replacement cost? Here’s all the info you need about battery replacement in Tesla cars.

Contents

Tesla Battery Sizes 

Over more than 15 years of manufacturing, Tesla has used many lithium-ion battery configurations in its vehicles. The 18650-style cell, 18 mm broad and 65 mm tall, was used in the original Roadster and later Model S models. A Model 3 or Model Y may have cells in the 2170- or 4680-style, depending on where the cars get manufactured. In the first quarter of 2022, about half of all Tesla cells manufactured were of the 4680 design and used the new (LFP) chemistry. 

How far a Tesla car can travel on a single charge depends on the amount of kWh in its battery pack. It is decided by the car’s efficiency, expressed in kilowatt-hours per mile or watt-hours per mile. There are multiple trim levels for different models, and each trim level could have a different battery capacity.

Size of batteryModelTrim
60 kWhModel 3Standard Range
75 kWhModel YLong Range
100 kWhModel XLong Range
100 kWhModel SPerformance

Tesla Model S battery replacement cost 

So, how much is Tesla battery replacement cost for Model S? Since there are many trims and battery sizes, it is hard to pin down a cost. However, the cost of a battery may range between $12,000-$15,000. As the labor cost differs, expect to pay between $20,000 and $22,000 as the total cost!

Tesla Model 3 battery replacement cost 

So, how much is Tesla battery replacement cost for Model 3? For many years, the Model 3 was the most well-liked electric vehicle on the planet. Yet, despite being widely used, it is uncommon to learn that a Model 3’s battery needs replacement. But that can happen!

The cost of Model 3 battery may cost over $13,500. You can expect the labor charge to be around $2,300. So, the total cost of battery replacement may range around $15,800.

Tesla Model Y battery replacement cost

The Model Y is the newest car from Tesla. Since it has a similar configuration to the Model 3, the battery replacement cost will come around $15,000 approximately.

How much does a Tesla battery cost?

Tesla Battery Replacement Cost: How Much Should I Pay? (3)

Tesla battery replacement cost varies depending on the labor and parts needed. Typically, the most basic battery replacement in tesla costs between $13,000 and $14,000. For the Model S premium sedan, replacing a Tesla battery costs around $13,000-$20,000. Model 3 entry-level sedan and Model X premium SUV battery replacement can cost at least $13,000 and $14,000 respectively.

Also, you may have to pay around $20-200 for replacement parts like wiring and connectors. The labor charge may cost you nearly $175 per hour. Always be ready to shell out a few more dollars in additional labor charges if the repairs are complex or have any problems with the replacement.

Which is the most expensive Tesla car? Here’s more info!

How much does a Tesla battery cost at a Tesla service center? 

Replacing a 75 kWh battery for Model 3 costs around $16,550. However, battery costs could change depending on your car’s model. Remanufactured packs cost between $9,000-$10,000, but brand-new batteries might cost up to $22,500. Depending on the process’s complexity, the average cost to replace a damaged battery pack with a remanufactured one would be between $13,000-$17,000.

How long do Tesla batteries last?

Never be so concerned if you’re looking at Tesla battery replacement costs while preparing for a future replacement. According to Tesla, Model X and Model S retain 90 percent capacity even after reaching 200,000 miles. Since we drive around 14,000 miles a year, it would take at least 15 years for your Tesla car to reach the 200,000-mile mark. Because the average American keeps their car for around 12 years, there’s a slight chance you’ll need to replace your Tesla’s battery during its lifetime.

On the other hand, the current battery modules should last 300,000 to 500,000 miles or 1,500 cycles. So, you may have to do Tesla battery replacement once or twice during the vehicle’s lifetime. The company will handle the necessary repairs if the battery capacity falls below 70% during the warranty period.

How can you extend Tesla’s battery life? Here are some tips!

What batteries does Tesla use?

In longer-range vehicles, Tesla batteries use a combination of nickel-cobalt-aluminum. However, the company will use new batteries with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) combinations in standard range cars.

Learn more about batteries for electric cars!

How many batteries are in a Tesla?

Tesla Battery Replacement Cost: How Much Should I Pay? (4)

Since 2013, Tesla has used 18650 cells manufactured in Asia by Panasonic in its S and X model cars. Tesla battery packs with 18650 Panasonic batteries can charge in 20-40 minutes, depending on usage. It is, however, the fastest any battery pack can charge. The most popular Tesla battery pack has nearly 7,104 18650 cells divided into 16 444 cell modules. The 18650 batteries can store around 85 kWh of energy.

Recently, Tesla engineers reconfigured the battery structure of the pack to hold 516 cells in each module for a total of 8,256 cells. This restructured battery pack can hold slightly more than 100 kWh of energy, driving up to a 300-mile range.

How do Tesla battery packs die?

A Tesla battery pack can fail due to fuse problems, voltage problems, or other minor issues. The entire battery pack gets affected if the issue happens within a single battery module. The voltage across all battery modules needs to be steady. If the voltage values differ across modules, the entire battery pack will get defective. Get your car to the company if this happens. Instead of replacing a module, they will install a new or refurbished battery pack on your car. They will send the damaged one to their battery plants for repair and refurbishing.

Are Tesla battery replacements covered under warranty?

If you are considering buying a used Tesla or before your Tesla’s battery develops a problem, it is always ideal to know what warranty will cover. For eight years and 150,000 miles (whichever comes first), Tesla will repair any manufacturing defects in the high-voltage battery and related equipment.

Accordingly, Tesla will pay for the necessary parts, labor, and other repair-related costs if a component, like a high-voltage cable or battery cell, fails. Tesla also includes a warranty provision that covers battery replacement due to degradation. Most Tesla cars get coverage by the warranty if a battery loses more than 30% of its initial capacity while under warranty.

Should I be worried about the batteries in a used Tesla?

Not really. But it is always good to inspect a used car. In reality, a used Tesla battery merits the same level of inspection as a used car with an internal combustion engine. So, we recommend checking the battery’s condition, getting the owner’s charging habits, and learning about Tesla batteries.

A pre-purchase check by a Tesla Service Center may provide good information about the battery health of the used Tesla you are considering buying.

How to check Tesla battery’s degradation

  • Charge the car’s battery to 100 percent capacity.
  • Turn on the vehicle. Find the car’s estimated range. You can locate this on Model S and Model X in the bottom left corner of the instrument cluster.
  • Divide that by the original battery range and multiply by 100 to determine how much capacity is available.

Can you do a Tesla battery replacement at home?

Don’t try to repair your Tesla unless you have invested time and money in training and equipment. You need to know how to work with the car’s operating system if you want to diagnose the issues correctly. Also, be mindful that specialized parts, schematics, and plans are hard to get. So, unless you’re skilled in electric car maintenance or prepared to risk damaging your Tesla, you shouldn’t do it.

How Tesla replaces your car’s batteries 

via GIPHY

An issue with the voltage regulator, a fuse, or other insignificant causes can cause the Tesla battery pack to die. However, the entire battery pack gets impacted if the issue exists only in one battery module. That’s because all battery modules must have comparable voltages. Therefore, the entire pack could fail even if only one module displays a value that differs greatly from all the others.

So, bring your car to Tesla at that point, and they will repair it. They won’t, however, swap out a single module. Instead, they replace the battery pack with a brand-new or remanufactured one. Then, they send the old one back to their battery factories for maintenance and refurbishment. When the old battery pack gets repaired and examined, it is returned to the system. Then, the battery will be installed in another vehicle that requires a battery swap.

Tesla shops don’t swap out battery modules because they want to make sure the battery they put in your car is in perfect condition. However, the process can be costly for you. That’s where third-party shops can be of help.

Third-party Tesla repair shops 

Don’t want to spend around $15,000 on Tesla battery replacement costs? Then the option will be to visit a third-party repair shop. They will conduct a full check on your car and do the needed repairs.

Even though they might not give you a brand-new battery, they will solve the issue and get the car moving again. Most importantly, though, these shops’ repair costs will typically be considerably less expensive than what Tesla charges. When choosing a shop to service your Tesla car, you need to be cautious because Tesla doesn’t authorize these. Before making a decision, you should read reviews from prior satisfied customers or ask a friend who had their car serviced there for a recommendation.

Tesla battery replacement cost: A few tips

  • Ideally, the most basic battery replacement in tesla costs between $13,000 and $14,000. Replacing a Tesla battery in a Model S premium sedan can cost around $13,000-$20,000. Replacing the battery in the Model 3 entry-level sedan and Model X premium SUV can cost at least $13,000 and $14,000, respectively.
  • Tesla claims that Model X and Model S retain 90 percent capacity even after reaching 200,000 miles. The present battery modules should last 300,000-500,000 miles or 1,500 cycles.
  • The company will take care of the necessary repairs if the battery capacity falls below 70% during the warranty period.
  • A Tesla battery pack can get damaged due to fuse problems, voltage problems, or other minor issues.
  • It is always safe to do the battery replacement by the company technicians.

FAQs

How often does a Tesla battery need to be replaced?

In Elon Musk’s estimation, Tesla batteries have a lifetime of 300,000–500,000 miles. Considering that the typical person drives 273 miles each week, depending on your driving habits, you may anticipate your Tesla battery to last somewhere between 21-35 years. The point is that you rarely or may not need to replace a Tesla battery.

How long can a Tesla sit without charging?

A brand-new, fully charged Tesla can potentially sit for up to 100 days without charging under ideal circ*mstances. However, in reality, the battery may probably drain out soon. Therefore, we recommend keeping your Tesla plugged in whenever possible because a dead battery might result in various costly complications.

Does Tesla battery drain in hot weather?

It’s better to leave your electric car under a shade always. It is because hot temperatures might adversely impact the battery life of your electric car. Like what would happen to your phone battery if you left it out in the sun for too long, high temperatures can cause the lithium-ion batteries in EVs to lose charge.

Is charging a Tesla cheaper than gas?

Yes. Generally, charging a Tesla costs 3.6 times less per mile than filling up a fuel-powered car.

Can Tesla batteries be repaired?

Ideally, you can’t. The 4860 structural battery packs from Tesla are made from extremely durable materials that can’t be repaired. The packs must undergo replacement if there are any problems because they are strong and long-lasting.

How quickly do Teslas charge?

Using a Tesla Supercharger, you can charge your car up to around 200 miles in 15 minutes.

Should I charge my Tesla every night?

Tesla recommends charging your car’s battery every evening. For regular use, you can charge the battery up to 90%. Charge it up to 100% if you’re planning a long trip.

Do Tesla batteries degrade over time?

The fact is that all batteries degrade over time. However, many EV battery packs, particularly models with longer ranges, are expected to continue offering enough range even when the car starts wearing out. Also, the high mileage warranties for EVs cover the battery, electric motors, and other relevant components.

What happens if a Tesla runs out of battery?

If you’re driving an EV and run out of battery, the car will stop, and you’ll need to contact Tesla’s roadside assistance to have it towed to the closest charging station.

Here’s more info on top-rated airport parking,the best parking spots in your city, the mostaffordable insurancefor your car, andtop-rated car washes near you.

Tesla Battery Replacement Cost: How Much Should I Pay? (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 5957

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Errol Quitzon

Birthday: 1993-04-02

Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

Phone: +9665282866296

Job: Product Retail Agent

Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.