How Much Does a Tesla Replacement Battery Cost?

Tesla has been at the forefront of electric vehicle development since its founding in 2003. In 2023, the electric car manufacturer slashed prices, and the Model 3 now starts at under $40,000. But if you’re thinking about buying a Tesla, you should consider the eventual cost of a new Tesla battery.

For new cars, Tesla batteries come with warranties that vary by model, from eight years or 100,000 miles for some Model 3s and Ys, to eight years or 150,000 miles for Model S, Model X, and the Cybertruck. If you plan to hold on to your Tesla for a long time, you may need to replace its battery at some point. The batteries that power electric cars typically last 10–20 years, and replacing one of these batteries costs anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000.^[1]

Keep reading to learn more about Tesla battery replacement costs.

How much is a Tesla battery?

The cost of a new Tesla battery ranges from $5,000 to $20,000, and you’ll need to replace the battery every 10–20 years. The in-demand minerals required to make electric vehicle batteries — such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium — contribute to their high cost.

Certain older Tesla models, like the 2008 Tesla Roadster and 2012 Tesla Model S, may already be due for a battery replacement. The cost to replace a Tesla battery varies by model.

The following estimates provide a good idea of the true costs of Tesla’s battery packs.

Tesla Model	Cost to Replace Battery	2026 MSRP
Model 3	$14,000+	$38,630–$56,630
Model Y	$5,000–$5,500	$41,630–$61,630
Model S	$13,000–$20,000	$96,630–$111,630
Model X	$14,000+	$101,630–$116,630
Cybertruck	$15,000–$25,000	$72,235–$117,235

When does the warranty cover a Tesla battery replacement?

Tesla’s new vehicle warranty covers Tesla batteries. Coverage varies a bit by model and range. But they all include a minimum of 70% retention of battery capacity over the warranty period. Here are some details for how long Tesla warranties cover battery replacement for different models:^[2]

Tesla Model	Length of Warranty
Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck	Eight years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first
Model 3 and Model Y Standard Rear-Wheel Drive	Eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first
Model 3 Long Range, Model 3 Performance, Model 3 Premium, and all Model Ys other than Standard Rear-Wheel Drive	Eight years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first

Tesla could void your warranty if you don’t carefully follow the company’s guidelines for proper maintenance. You’ll need to comply with all recall advisories, limit cargo and passenger loads to specified limits, and make all repairs.

You don’t have to use a Tesla service center or an authorized service center — using a different repair shop won’t void your warranty. But the company cautions that a “warranty may be voided or coverage excluded due to improper maintenance, service, or repairs.”

Other factors that affect your warranty coverage for Tesla batteries include:

• Someone defaces or alters a VIN or odometer (or alteration of other systems that makes it difficult to determine your Tesla’s VIN or actual mileage).

• Your vehicle title shows the car as salvage, reconstructed, dismantled, fire-damaged, flood-damaged, irreparable, or a total loss.

• An insurance company has determined the vehicle is a total loss.

Additional Tesla warranty limitations

Additional limitations on your Tesla warranty include:

• Failure to bring your Tesla to an authorized repair facility after discovery of defect

• Accidents or other incidents, like a collision or object striking the vehicle

• Unauthorized authorizations, repairs, or modifications to the vehicle

• Towing the vehicle or improper winch procedures

• Improper repair or maintenance not specific in owner documentation

• Off-road driving, including curbs, potholes, or racing

• Overloading the vehicle

• Using the Tesla as a stationary power source

• Acts of God or the environment, theft, vandalism, or riots 

You must obtain warranty service during your applicable period. But some Tesla models may be eligible for an extended service agreement, which could help extend the life of your battery’s warranty coverage. If your Tesla changes ownership, the warranty stays with the vehicle.

Factors that affect Tesla battery replacement costs

If you need to replace your Tesla battery, multiple factors will likely affect how much you’ll pay for the repair, including:

• Model: Battery costs vary based on which Tesla you drive. The model will affect factors like battery size and parts and labor costs. For example, a standard Tesla Model 3 is a lower-value, smaller Tesla, so its battery replacement cost is significantly less than a Cybertruck’s.

• Vehicle age: Generally, new vehicles cost more to repair. But if your Tesla model is older and replacement batteries are in high demand or are difficult to find, you may face higher costs.

• Location: Where you live affects the pricing of labor and parts in your area. Keep in mind that the specialized labor needed to swap out a Tesla battery is a significant part of the total cost of replacement.

• Car insurance coverage: If you need to replace your Tesla battery due to damage from an accident, your Tesla car insurance may cover the costs. If you have collision and comprehensive coverages, your insurance would pay for replacement regardless of who’s at fault in the accident. If another driver causes an accident that damages your battery, their liability coverage should pay.

• Warranty coverage: If your Tesla battery fails while your vehicle is still under warranty, your warranty should cover the cost to replace it. But your warranty may not pay if battery degradation pushes charge capacity below 70%.

How Tesla batteries work

Tesla vehicles run on lithium-ion battery packs, like the battery packs that power your laptop and cell phone. Lithium-ion battery packs tend to hold a charge longer than normal car batteries. If you buy a Tesla, you’ll want to pay attention to the vehicle’s kWh, or kilowatt-hours, as this represents the capacity of the vehicle’s battery.

The vehicle range, or how far you can drive without needing to charge it, increases with a higher kWh and decreases with a lower kWh. Each Tesla model offers a different range. For example, the Tesla Model S has a range of 402 miles per charge, and the Model Y has a range of 308 miles.

To charge a Tesla, you access the charge port using the touchscreen inside the vehicle before plugging the vehicle into a charger.

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Where to get a replacement Tesla battery

Tesla owners can choose to replace a Tesla battery at a Tesla service center, third-party repair shop, or do it themselves. Tesla service centers typically cost more, but they may be your best option since many mechanics aren’t experts in Tesla repairs and a DIY approach is often tricky.

Here’s a closer look at your options to replace a Tesla battery.

Tesla service center

Taking your car to a Tesla service center or having one of its mobile service technicians come to you may be the most reliable solution for replacing a Tesla battery, even if it costs more. You can conveniently schedule a service appointment using the Tesla app and know that the technicians have expertise in servicing Tesla vehicles — which the average mechanic may be less familiar with.

Third-party repair shop

You can take your Tesla car to a non-Tesla shop if you need a battery replacement, but one with expertise in Tesla vehicles can be harder to find. You’ll have to research the options available in your area to find a good fit. Replacement can be less expensive with a third-party repair shop, but make sure the mechanics have ample experience working with Teslas.

Replace it yourself

While it may be tempting to replace a Tesla battery yourself to save money on labor costs, this generally isn’t advisable unless you have training and expertise in this area. Replacing an electric vehicle battery pack on your own can cause vehicle damage, and you may end up spending more to fix any issues your DIY repairs caused.

Tips for extending your Tesla’s battery life

Several different factors can degrade your Tesla battery as time passes. Maintain your Tesla’s battery health with care and by practicing proper maintenance. Tesla owners don’t have to follow every one of these best practices all the time but should keep them in mind to maintain maximum range.^[3]

• Keep your Tesla in a garage to avoid big temperature drops. Extreme temperatures can lower your battery life and mileage range, especially when dealing with cold weather.

• Skip the fast-charging stations. DC Fast Charging, or Supercharging, helps you quickly charge your car’s battery. But you should limit use of it if possible since it may lower the battery’s original capacity.

• Don’t allow your Tesla battery to discharge fully. EV batteries typically discharge at a rate of 1% per day, so plan accordingly.

• Drive on the flattest route possible. Driving uphill strains your battery, so it’s best to choose flat roads when you can.

• Ditch the heavy cargo. The heavier your vehicle is, the more energy the battery exerts to move your Tesla.

• Maintain tire pressure. You can find Tesla’s recommended tire pressures listed inside the driver-side doorjamb.

Tesla battery replacement cost FAQs