13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Insurance, lending, and retirement expert
Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Updated November 15, 2023 | Reading time: 4 minutes
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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. However, 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 to 20 years, and replacing one of these batteries costs anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000.[2]
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 to 20 years. The in-demand minerals required to make electric vehicle batteries — such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium — contribute to their high cost.
The first Tesla Roadster was released in 2008, followed by the Model S in 2012, so older Tesla models are reaching the age for battery replacement. How much it costs to replace a Tesla battery can vary 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+
$38,990
Model Y
$5,000–$5,500
$47,740
Model S
$13,000–$20,000
$74,990
Model X
$13,000+
$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 405 miles per charge, and the Model Y has a range of 330 miles.
To charge a Tesla, you access the charge port using the touchscreen inside the vehicle before plugging the vehicle into a charger.[3]
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:
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
When it comes to replacing your Tesla battery, you have a few different options.
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.
How to avoid degrading a Tesla battery
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.
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. However, 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 to reduce battery strain. The recommended pressures are listed inside the driver-side doorjamb.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Tesla battery replacement costs.
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 long does a Tesla battery 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 from 10 to 20 years.
Should you try to replace your own Tesla battery?
Generally, you shouldn’t try to replace your current battery unless you’re trained and experienced in that type of car maintenance. Being inexperienced in this area can lead to damaging the car in a way that costs more to repair than paying for the battery replacement at a Tesla service center or third-party repair shop.
Does replacing a Tesla battery cost more than replacing a regular car battery?
The battery replacement cost for Teslas greatly exceeds the battery replacement cost for non-electric cars. While batteries for gas-powered cars only cost $156 on average, it can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to replace a Tesla battery.[4]
During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.
Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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