The phenomenal technology that goes into any Tesla battery is an attractive draw for EV enthusiasts. But what happens when the time to replace that battery arrives?
With each battery pack representing close to half of the original production costs of the vehicle, the thought of having to pay out for a new one can lead would-be purchasers to pause. So, how much does it cost to replace a Tesla battery?
How Long do Tesla Batteries Last?
Before we dive into the potential costs of replacing your Tesla battery, there is comfort in knowing that these power packs offer exceptional longevity and come with hefty warranties. Elon Musk himself has stated that the EV brand’s battery packs are built for lifespans of 300k to 500k miles or 1500 charging cycles.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, the average American driver covers around 13,500 miles each year. With that number in mind, Musk’s battery lifespan forecast would mean that most Tesla drivers can anticipate their battery lasting 22-37 years.
| Tesla Model | Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty |
| Model S Model X | 8 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period |
| Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive | 8 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period. |
| Model 3 Long Range Model 3 Performance | 8 years or 120,000 miles (192,000 km), whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period. |
| All Used Models sold by Tesla | Tesla used vehicles are covered by the remainder of 4 years or 80,000 km left on the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty. After expiration, the Used Vehicle Limited Warranty provides additional coverage of 1 year or 20,000 km. If the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty has already expired, the Used Vehicle Limited Warranty will provide coverage of 1 year or 20,000 km |
Fortunately, every new Tesla comes with a mighty warranty, offering great peace of mind that any early battery troubles won’t result in an empty bank account. As you can see from the table above, on new vehicles, Tesla provides full warranty either for the first eight years of ownership or up to a pretty generous mileage cap for each model. During this time, the EV brand also guarantees a battery capacity of at least 70%.
For those who have picked up a secondhand Tesla through the brand themselves, drivers can retain up to 4 years of the original warranty if still valid, plus an additional year of coverage on top. These timeframes are restricted to up to 20,000 km per year on the road.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Tesla Battery?
It is tricky to give an exact figure for Tesla battery replacements because labor for the task can be variable, as can the need to replace peripheral wiring and infrastructure. Drivers can also choose between a brand-new battery pack or a remanufactured battery pack, with the latter drawing replacement costs down.
Estimates place the cost of a remanufactured battery pack in the range of $9,000 to $10,000, excluding additional parts and labor, while new battery packs can climb towards $20,000 and beyond.
An invoice from Tesla shared by Current Automotive provides insight into the cost of a complete battery replacement for a Model 3 vehicle with a 75kWh battery pack. That tab came to $16,550.67, with $13,500 accounted for by the replacement battery pack itself.
Taking Care of Tesla Batteries
It is important for drivers to note that not all failed batteries are ultimately covered by the warranty. For example, failing to properly care for your battery pack or instances of externally-caused damage may leave you high and dry.
According to Current Automotive, paying for the above invoice example fell to the owner, and was reportedly due to damage from a rock hitting the underside of the vehicle.
Tips to safeguard the health of your Tesla battery include:
- Using only Tesla-brand chargers and charging accessories
- Avoiding driving on uneven surfaces
- Maintaining fully inflated and undamaged tires
- Using the preconditioning function when driving in cold weather
- Avoiding allowing the Tesla’s battery charge to drop below 20%
- Avoiding leaving the battery depleted for long periods of time
- Regularly charging the battery to at least 90% while also avoiding overcharging
- Paying close attention to battery warning messages on the dashboard touchscreen
- Using Supercharging stations only when necessary and after utilizing on-route battery preconditioning
- Avoiding excessive acceleration and deceleration
- Allowing your battery to cool fully before driving again if it overheats
What Happens If My Tesla Battery Needs to Be Replaced?
One of the reasons why Tesla battery replacement is so expensive is that even if just one battery module is underperforming, the EV manufacturer will replace the entire battery pack. For context, each Tesla battery is comprised of thousands of cells, grouped into modules, which are in turn grouped to form the battery pack in its totality.
When you bring your car to Tesla with a failing battery, they will exchange the entire battery pack for either a new or a remanufactured one. Next, they’ll send your old battery pack to be remanufactured for later use in another driver’s vehicle. This all-in approach allows the brand to ensure that every car rolling out of its service centers has 100% battery health.
For Tesla drivers who simply can’t stretch to the costs of a full battery pack replacement, some third-party service centers will happily repair only the component parts of a Tesla battery that are failing at a dramatically reduced cost. If opting for this strategy, however, the responsibility falls to drivers to thoroughly vet the service center they choose and consider how this will impact any remaining warranty on their vehicle.