Replacing a Tesla battery: costs and options explained (2024)

As a Tesla owner, the thought of having to replace your car’s battery is a scary prospect. The battery is the most expensive electric vehicle (EV) component, and no one wants to discover that their car needs a new one.

Over its more than 15 years of manufacturing, Tesla has employed a variety of lithium-ion battery types in its vehicles. The 18650-style cell was utilized in the first Roadsterand the later Model S. In Q1 of 2022, Tesla manufactured almost half of its cells using the new LFP chemistry and 4680-style cells. The manufacturing location determines the type of cell used in a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y.

According to a recent Recrrent report, it revealed that over time, batteries deteriorate naturally. Although the causes of EV battery degradation can be complicated, these are the two primary factors that would require replacement:

  • Capacity fade occurs when a battery’s overall accessible energy decreases as its constituent parts deteriorate, which is considered out of range.
  • Power fade is primarily concerned with the rate at which a battery can lose energy, which affects acceleration speed. Vehicle sluggishness would be a recognizable sign of this.

However, Tesla batteries have shown to be quite resilient. For years now, Recurrent has been monitoring range loss from its community of more than 6,000 Tesla Model 3 owners, and the range loss is minimal, particularly in the later years.

Customers can choose between a Tesla Service Center or a third-party battery replacement supplier.

The battery replacement cost varies depending on the model year and size. Estimates suggest that the batteries for the Model S cost between $12,000 and $15,000. After labor charges, the total repair cost is about $20,000 to $22,000. For the Model 3, the replacement cost around $15,799.27, with the battery alone costing over $13,500 and labor costing $2,299.27. The Model Y’s battery replacement cost is approximately $15,000, similar to the Model S.

Stay up to date on exclusive content from CBT News by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our free newsletter to receive all the latest news, insight and trends impacting the automotive industry.

CBT News is part of the JBF Business Media family.

Replacing a Tesla battery: costs and options explained (1)

Jaelyn Campbell

Jaelyn Campbell is a staff writer/reporter for CBT News. She is a recent honors cum laude graduate with a BFA in Mass Media from Valdosta State University. Jaelyn is an enthusiastic creator with more than four years of experience in corporate communications, editing, broadcasting, and writing. Her articles in The Spectator, her hometown newspaper, changed how people perceive virtual reality. She connects her readers to the facts while providing them a voice to understand the challenges of being an entrepreneur in the digital world.

Replacing a Tesla battery: costs and options explained (2024)

FAQs

What is the true cost to replace a Tesla battery? ›

Estimates suggest that the batteries for the Model S cost between $12,000 and $15,000. After labor charges, the total repair cost is about $20,000 to $22,000. For the Model 3, the replacement cost around $15,799.27, with the battery alone costing over $13,500 and labor costing $2,299.27.

How do you qualify for a Tesla battery replacement? ›

Speaking of Model 3 warranties, all of them come with 8 year coverage, and either 100,000 or 120,000 miles (for standard or long range trims, respectively). If your battery degrades more than 70% in that time, Tesla will replace your battery - not necessarily with a new one, but with one that does exceed the 70% limit.

What is the life expectancy of a Tesla battery? ›

The frequency of replacing a Tesla battery depends on factors like usage, driving conditions, and model. Typically, Tesla batteries are designed to last at least 8 years or around 100,000 to 150,000 miles, as per the warranty.

Will Tesla replace your battery for free? ›

Tesla's batteries are covered by a warranty. Models have slightly different warranties, but they're generally covered for eight years or between 100,000-150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

How long does a Tesla battery replacement last? ›

So before you consider getting one, you probably want to know how long a Tesla battery lasts. A Tesla battery goes approximately 303 to 405 miles on a full charge and is reported to last about 300,000 to 500,000 miles over its lifespan.

How long is the Tesla battery warranty? ›

Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty

8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period.

What happens to a Tesla battery after 8 years? ›

Tesla Battery Degradation by Age of Car

The study data showed that by seven years old the average Tesla battery still provides around 93% of its original capacity and range. In the chart below, you'll see a significant drop off in year 8.

How often do Tesla batteries fail? ›

Summary - Find Tesla charging stations near you

No matter the model or manufacturer, all EV batteries last for 10-20 years. They gradually lose capacity, with some factors speeding things up, but you shouldn't be too concerned.

What do they do with old Tesla batteries? ›

None of our scrapped lithium-ion batteries go to landfilling, and 100% are recycled. Lithium-ion battery packs should only be handled by qualified professionals at specifically designated facilities. The applicable rules and regulations for battery management vary by region and must always be followed.

What is the disposal fee for a Tesla battery? ›

Tesla requests that its lithium-ion battery packs only be handled by qualified professionals at designated facilities. You can start the process for repairing or recycling your battery by contacting Tesla directly. Do I have to pay to recycle a Tesla battery? There is no cost to consumers to recycle an EV battery.

Are Tesla battery stations free? ›

Some older Tesla cars have free Supercharging, but most are billed to the credit card tied to the driver's app. At present, non-Tesla car drivers need to use the Tesla app to charge at Superchargers. Pricing varies by site and time of day. I've paid 20–46 cents per kWh at a variety of sites in Oregon and California.

Does Tesla have a lifetime warranty? ›

Tesla vehicles do not come with a lifetime warranty. Each new Tesla is covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty which lasts for 4 years/50,000 miles. Used cars are covered for the remainder of the limited factory warranty plus an additional year of coverage of 1 year/10,000 miles.

How much does a Tesla Powerwall cost? ›

Purchasing one Powerwall with installation through Tesla costs $11,500. You can also order a Powerwall without installation through the Tesla website for $9,200. The total cost of your Tesla Powerwall system depends on how many units you buy, your solar installer and where you live.

Do Teslas need oil changes? ›

Unlike gasoline cars, Tesla vehicles require no traditional oil changes, fuel system maintenance, spark plug replacements or emission checks. Even brake pad replacements are rare because regenerative braking returns energy to the battery, significantly reducing wear on the brakes.

How much does a Tesla battery charge cost? ›

The average cost to fully charge a Tesla is between $8.28 and $14.40, depending on factors like how you charge your car and your driving habits. In most cases, charging a Tesla's battery will be cheaper than filling up a car's gas tank, with the potential to slash your fuel costs in half.

How much to replace a battery in an electric car? ›

How much does an EV battery replacement cost? Electric car battery replacement costs outside of warranty can range from $6,500 to $20,000, depending on the size and manufacturer, but these out-of-pocket repairs are extremely rare. This is partly due to EV batteries lasting longer than many people expected.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 5616

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% 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.