Background working with banks and insurance companies
Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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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 every potential buyer should consider the eventual cost of a new Tesla battery.
For new cars, Tesla batteries come with a warranty that lasts for at least eight years or up to 10,000 miles due to the minimums set for car warranties in the U.S. Drivers who hold on to cars for a long time may need to pay to replace the car’s 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.
Cost to replace 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.
Tesla battery replacements are likely due in certain older models, like the 2008 Tesla Roadster and 2012 Tesla Model S. 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
▲▼
MSRP
▲▼
Model 3
$14,000+
$42,490
Model Y
$5,000–$5,500
$44,990
Model S
$13,000–$20,000
$74,990
Model X
$14,000+
$79,990
How do Tesla batteries work?
Tesla vehicles run on lithium-ion battery packs, like the battery packs that power your laptop and cellphone. 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.
Factors affecting warranty coverage for Tesla batteries
Tesla’s new vehicle warranty covers Tesla batteries. But Tesla could void your warranty if you don’t carefully follow the company’s guidelines for proper maintenance. Tesla requires owners to comply with all recall advisories, limit cargo and passenger loads to specified limits, and make all repairs.
Tesla doesn’t require owners to use a Tesla service center or authorized service center. But the company cautions 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:
Defaced or altered VIN or odometer (or alteration of other systems that makes it difficult to determine your Tesla’s VIN or actual mileage)
Vehicle labeled as rebuilt, salvage, reconstructed, dismantled, fire-damaged, flood-damaged, irreparable, or a total loss
Vehicle determined to be total loss by insurance company
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.
When is battery replacement covered under warranty?
Tesla warranty 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 and Model X
Eight years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first
Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive
Eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first
Model 3 Long Range, Model 3 Performance, Model Y Long Range, and Model Y Performance
Eight years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first
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.
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.
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. Treating your Tesla battery with care and practicing proper maintenance are important. 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. The battery typically discharges 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.
If you’re in the market for a Tesla, this additional information about Tesla battery replacement costs may help as you compare your vehicle options.
What’s the average cost of Tesla battery replacement?
The type of Tesla model you drive influences how much you’ll spend to replace your battery. In general, the Tesla replacement battery cost ranges from $5,000 to $20,000.
How many years do Tesla batteries last?
How long a Tesla battery lasts depends on how you care for your car and your driving habits, but you can expect your electric vehicle battery to last 10–20 years.
Will Tesla replace your battery for free?
Tesla will only replace your Tesla battery for free if you’re still in your warranty period — which is typically eight years or up to a certain mileage limit, depending on the model. Your battery must also have a 70% retention of battery capacity to qualify.
Battery replacement costs outside the warranty period range from $5,000 to $20,000.
How often do you need to replace a Tesla battery?
A Tesla battery typically has a lifespan of 10–20 years. But how often you need to replace the battery may depend on the model. Some factors can affect battery life, like supercharging and hauling heavy loads.
Check with a Tesla service center or mobile service technician if you’re not sure when your battery is due for replacement.
How much is a Model 3 battery?
A Model 3 Tesla battery starts at $13,000. But costs may vary depending on the type of Model 3 Tesla you drive and its age. Tesla batteries typically cost between $5,000 and $20,000, making the cost to replace a Model 3 battery about average.
Sarah Archambault enjoys helping people figure out how to manage their finances and credit. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans. Her work has been featured on Credit Karma, Experian, LendingClub, Sound Dollar and USA Today Blueprint. She also writes for national insurers, banks and financial institutions like Aetna, MassMutual, Stripe, and UnitedHealthcare.
Sarah has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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