How much to replace a Tesla battery? Replacing the battery in a Tesla model could probably cost a few hundred dollars. Even more? Keep reading to find out the real price:
A bit about Tesla batteries?
Tesla is the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, and many people wonder what type of batteries the company uses and what the specific features of these batteries are. Let’s now see how many types of battery cells Tesla has:
- 1865 (18mm diameter, 65mm height): Roadster (original), Model S, Model X.
- 2170 (21mm diameter, 70mm height): Model 3, Model Y
- 4680 (46mm diameter, 80mm height): Model Y Made-in-Texas. This larger format cell is expected to be deployed in future models like the Cybertruck and the Semi.
- LFP Prismatic Batteries: Model 3 and Model Y
All Tesla batteries are lithium-ion batteries, but not all are identical. There are several different primary cathode chemistries, each developed over the years. Three main types of cathodes in Tesla electric vehicles:
- Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum (NCA)
- Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (NCM)
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
Currently, Tesla uses solid-state lithium-ion batteries instead of liquid batteries, like many companies today. This technology is also applied by Tesla and Audi, not only to enable fast charging (only 30 to 45 minutes for a full charge), increasing battery lifespan, but also limiting the risk of battery explosion.
How long do Tesla batteries last
Thanks to continuous improvements in battery technology, Tesla batteries are designed to last for hundreds of thousands of kilometers, with some estimates suggesting they retain up to 70% of their capacity after 500,000 kilometers. For electric vehicle buyers, battery lifespan and degradation rate are very important. According to the latest data from Tesla, the Model S/X battery is expected to lose an average of 12% of its capacity after 200,000 miles (322,000 km). And research from Recurrent Auto based on battery data from about 6,300 Tesla Model 3s in the United States shows that on average, the battery still has about 90% of its capacity after 5 years of daily use.
According to Tesla, the vehicle will typically be scrapped after 200,000 miles in the United States and after 150,000 miles in Europe. This means the battery will outlast the electric vehicle in most usage cases, without significant range loss over its lifetime.
How much to replace a Tesla battery?
Typically, Tesla batteries can last from 10 to 20 years, so you don’t need to constantly worry about battery replacement. However, in some unfortunate cases, you must replace your Tesla’s battery, so be aware that the cost of replacing a Tesla battery is never cheap. The average cost to replace a battery in a Tesla ranges between $5,000 and $20,000 depending on the model, pack, and battery size. According to Recurrent estimates, replacing the Tesla Model 3 battery will cost about $180/kWh, or approximately $15,800, including labor for the entire battery. Currently, the Tesla Model 3 has a starting price of about $45,000; so you see the replacement cost represents more than a third of the total price of a new car.
| Tesla Model | Battery Replacement Costs |
| Model 3 | Over $14,000 |
| Model Y | $5,000 – $5,500 |
| Model S | $13,000 – $20,000 |
| Model X | Over $13,000 |
Compared to other brands that produce electric vehicles, Tesla battery costs are significantly higher. In comparison, the battery cost for a Hyundai Ioniq is set at about $2,850. The battery cost is one of the main reasons why Tesla vehicles are more expensive than other brands or equivalent gasoline cars.
Ex: Current Automotive published the 2020 receipt for a customer replacing a refurbished 75 KWh battery in a Tesla Model 3:
- Battery: $13,500
- Labor: $2,299.27
- Total: $15,799.27
Note: It is important to keep in mind that battery replacement will only cost you money if it is no longer under warranty. This means if your battery is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, typically 8 years and 100,000 miles, you should get the battery replaced at no extra cost. So if you want to learn more about the Tesla battery warranty, follow the next part:
Tesla Battery Warranty
Driving an electric vehicle with an expired battery warranty can be a major concern for many drivers, as you will spend a significant amount on battery replacement. Knowing the details of the warranty policies can help you be proactive about replacement and make the right decision regarding car usage. Here is how long Tesla warranties cover battery replacement for different models:
| Model S | 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, with a minimum retention of 70% of battery capacity during the warranty period. |
| Model X | |
| Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive | 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, with a minimum retention of 70% of battery capacity during the warranty period. |
| Model 3 Long Range | 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, with a minimum retention of 70% of battery capacity during the warranty period. |
| Model 3 Performance | |
| Model Y All-Wheel Drive | |
| Model Y Long Range | |
| Model Y Performance |
The Tesla warranty only covers malfunctions or damage caused by manufacturing. If the battery is damaged due to collisions, exposure to fire, water, unauthorized service, poor maintenance, windstorms, off-road driving, and several other events, the owner will bear the costs.
When it comes to replacing your Tesla battery, you will have several different options:
- Tesla Service Center: Taking your car to a Tesla service center or having one of its mobile service technicians come to your home can be the most reliable solution for replacing a Tesla battery, even if it might cost more. You can schedule a service appointment using the Tesla app.
- Third-Party Repair Shop: Your second option is that you can take your Tesla to a non-Tesla workshop, but it might be harder to find one with expertise in Tesla vehicles. You will need to research the available options in your area to find the one that suits you. Replacement might be less expensive at a third-party repair shop, but make sure the mechanics have extensive experience working with Teslas.
- Replace it Yourself: While it might be tempting to replace a Tesla battery yourself to save money on labor costs, it is generally not advised unless you have training and expertise in this area. Replacing an electric battery yourself can damage the vehicle and you might end up spending more to fix the problems caused by your DIY replacement.
Tips to improve Tesla battery lifespan
To get the most out of your Tesla battery, you can refer to a few tips below to help your battery last longer:
Always charge your Tesla, but not to 100%
Charging to 80% instead of 100% is a recommendation experts have long given to increase battery lifespan. However, few electric car owners are bothered by this, as they often charge overnight and wake up to a car with a 100% battery. Andy Slye claims that 80% is more than enough for daily use.
Driving Habits
If you drive like racers Scott Dixon, Tanner Foust, or Bubba Wallace, you will deteriorate your car’s and battery’s lifespan. Frequent acceleration, hard braking, and sharp steering negatively impact any part of the race car’s exterior.
Regular Maintenance
One of the most important factors that determine your car’s lifespan is you, the person behind the wheel. It is essential to adhere to your car’s maintenance schedule, even if an electric car has fewer faults than an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.