If you’re wondering how much a Tesla battery would cost to replace in 2022, you aren’t the only one. Tesla’s battery packs deserve scrutiny both for longevity and and replacement costs; after all, they’re the main component of a Tesla! And we covered Tesla’s battery life in a previous blog post, this time we’re aiming for that second factor: the cost of replacement.
Tesla’s parts pricing list is not an open book, and no official guide on repair or replacement costs exists. But with current battery prices hovering around $132-$135 per kWh and with information from a few Tesla owners who have produced a Model S or Model 3 battery replacement service bill, we can make some decent estimates on how much a Tesla battery replacement costs.
First, let’s explore battery replacement expenses by model through estimated pricing for parts and labor. After that’s out of the way, we’ll answer a few questions about Tesla’s battery warranty, list signs that a Tesla battery may need to be replaced, and discuss how possible battery replacement costs can affect your quest for a used Tesla.
Tesla Model S Battery Replacement—How Much Does It Cost?
While battery replacement reports from stateside owners of the Model S outside of warranty are few and far between, we have found a few cases where a full battery replacement visit has cost up to $20,000. That sounds pretty high, but the breakdown in price shows that the Model S battery itself costs somewhere in the realm of $12,000-$15,000.
Additional replacement parts, such as connectors and wiring, are sometimes needed, most of those being in the $20-$200 range. Finally, depending on whether there is damage to be repaired or a complication in the replacement, battery replacement is reportedly taking anywhere from 3 to 13 hours. As labor costs at the Tesla Service center have been reported around $175-$200 per hour, that’s an additional $525-$2,600. It sounds excessive until you remember that all these personnel are handing a high voltage system, and the overhead for their insurance and facilities compliance is pretty steep.
Bottom line: the cheapest estimate for an out-of-pocket, uncomplicated battery replacement on the Model S should cost about $12,000-$13,000 for the battery, $100-200 for miscellaneous parts, and $500-600 for labor. This puts the grand total at around $13,000-$14,000 for a full Model S battery replacement.
Fun fact: at one point, Tesla had considered battery swapping stations as an alternative to Supercharging. They claimed they could swap out a Model S battery in about 3 minutes and were getting faster. Too bad it wasn’t sustainable; we kinda dig the idea of battery swap roadtrippin’ but sadly, that never came to fruition (and doesn’t look like it will anytime soon).
Tesla Model X Battery Replacement Cost – What You Can Expect to Pay
We’ve honestly not seen any repair bills for the Model X that give details on a full battery replacement, but it’s safe to assume that the price is similar to battery replacement on the Model S.
With reports of Model S repairs for the same issue taking between 3-13 hours, battery repair labor costs on the Model X could run at about $500-$2,500 at a labor charge of $175-$200 per hour. These numbers really depend on the reason for the battery replacement, as the replacement itself shouldn’t be an overly complicated procedure.
A new Tesla battery for a Model X with a 100kWh battery pack should run over $13,500 if we base our pricing scheme solely on current $135 per kWh estimates. As Tesla almost exclusively uses remanufactured packs, the true price should be slightly lower. This scenario places our lowest Model X battery replacement estimate at $13,000 for the battery, $100-200 for miscellaneous parts, and a potential $500-$600 for labor. In other words, the lowest estimated price for an out-of-pocket, uncomplicated battery replacement on the Model X is about $14,000.
How Much Does a Tesla Model 3 Battery Replacement Cost?
We’ve seen at least one service receipt that puts a Model 3 battery replacement at $13,500 for just the battery pack (for a 75 kWh remanufactured battery, labor not included). With battery sizes ranging from 50kWh to 82 kWh, current battery price estimates put new Model 3 batteries closer to $7000-$11,000, still lower than the $13,500 on our example invoice.
Why is this nowhere near the $5,000-$7,000 quoted by Musk in 2019 (and picked up by Google whenever someone asks what a Model 3 battery costs)? Well, he clarified that the $5,000-$7,000 was per module, not per battery pack. The battery pack on the Model 3 is made up of 4 modules, so the estimated price for a pack replacement is a whopping $20,000-$28,000. Makes $13,500 sound pretty good, doesn’t it?
As Tesla ramps up production of the Model 3 and constantly works to improve their battery design, it’s quite possible that the prices will fall dramatically in the next few years. For now, our lowest out-of-pocket cost estimate for uncomplicated battery replacement on a Model 3 would is approximately $13,000 (assuming $12,000 for the battery alone, $100 for the miscellaneous parts, and $500 for labor).
Another thing to keep in mind is that Tesla Model 3 (and Y) don’t have the option for an extended warranty. While this likely doesn’t affect the battery warranty (which is longer than the 4 yr/50k factory bumper-to-bumper warranty), it’s still something to think about, as once the warranties are up on the Model 3/Y, that’s it.
Tesla Model Y Battery Replacement – Total Cost Including Labor and Parts
Battery replacement costs on Tesla’s Model Y are an enigma…and that’s a good thing. Reports of a Model Y needing a new battery are virtually absent.
Does this have something to do with how new the Model Y still is? Absolutely.
However, like the Model 3, Model S, and Model X, reports of unusual degradation or warrantied battery replacement on the Model Y are very, very low.
As the Model Y battery pack is similar to the design of the Model 3, battery replacement costs will likely also be similar. At current estimated prices per kWh ($137), the estimated cost for a new 75-82kWh battery pack on the Model Y would come in at about $10,000-$12,000. With miscellaneous parts and a labor charge of around $500 for a 3-hour replacement added, a more accurate low estimate for a replacement of the Model Y’s battery pack is around $11,000-$13,000.
How Do I Know if My Tesla Battery Needs to Be Replaced?
Tesla’s batteries are designed to outlast the body of the car itself. This means they should retain usable driving capacity well past 500,000 miles. But how do you know if a Tesla battery pack needs replacing?
There are a few basic warning signs:
- A sudden drop in driving range, more than 20%
- Degradation of range over the 30% warranty criteria
- Failure to hold a charge at all
- A notification from Tesla that there is something wrong with the battery
While this obviously isn’t an exhaustive list, we’d like to note that battery problems other than degradation are typically issues that would send you straight to the Service Center (problems with charging, sudden loss of range, or an entirely dead battery come to mind). In other words, a Tesla likely won’t have a slow buildup of issues that precede a battery replacement.
However, the good news is that data is in favor of Tesla’s batteries holding up extremely well over time. Plus, at this time, most Teslas are still within the terms of their battery warranty.
(A quick shout out to our friends at Gruber Motor Company! If you haven’t heard, they’re the Tesla battery replacement experts! If you need a Tesla battery replaced out of warranty, they are the best of the best! Check out their latest Model S battery replacement video below.)
Are Tesla Battery Replacements Covered Under Warranty?
It’s always a good idea to know what warranty will actually cover before the battery on your Tesla becomes an issue or if you are looking into buying a pre-owned Tesla. If you’ve read this far, then you know that a replacement battery for a Tesla isn’t cheap.
Tesla covers manufacturing defects regarding the high voltage battery and associated equipment for 8 years and 150,000 miles (whichever comes first). This means that if a part fails, such as a battery cell or a high voltage cable, Tesla will cover the parts, labor, and other expenses surrounding the repair (such as a loaner vehicle and, in some cases, towing expenses). There are a couple of important exceptions to the mileage limit; pre-2020 Model S and Model X vehicles are covered for 8 years and unlimited miles (unless the battery is a 60kWh or 40kWh pack; then, it’s 8 years / 125,000 miles).
Tesla has also added a warranty clause that covers battery replacement due to degradation. Most of Tesla’s vehicles are covered by warranty if the battery loses more than 30% of its original capacity during the warranty period. The exception to this clause is the original Tesla Roadster, but all first generation Roadsters have aged out of their original warranties.
For more information on the battery warranty, such as conditions that void the warranty or failure of the battery warranty to transfer to new owners, see our Ultimate Guide to Tesla Warranty Coverage.
Should I Be Worried About the Batteries in a Used Tesla?
If you haven’t already heard about Finland’s Tuomas Kaitanen and his decision to dynamite his 2013 Model S rather than face its repair bill of over $22,000…well, let’s just say he wasn’t happy that the car he had only recently bought used wasn’t as great a deal as he thought. Most of the bill was reportedly for a full battery replacement.
Katainen’s 2021 repair quote is the highest we’ve heard of on a Model S, and his story is a great example of what a buyer should pay attention to when buying a used Tesla. We have to wonder, in Katainen’s case, what were previous repair issues on the Model S? How had the previous owner(s) charged the it, generally? Was the repair shop (not a Tesla service center, according to most reports) giving an accurate replacement cost? Would Tesla actually have certified the non-Tesla shop repair (and justified the bill) if Katainen hadn’t decided to keep his money in favor of some pyrotechnics? We don’t know the answer to most of these questions.
The video of the Tesla’s explosion, of course, presents a sensational story that’s less about actual answers and more about blowing things up. Good for entertainment, bad for real-world numbers.
So should you be worried about the battery on a used Tesla? We don’t think so, but like any used vehicle, it always makes sense to ask questions. In reality, the battery on a used Tesla deserves just as much scrutiny as the engine on a used internal combustion vehicle does. You’d be wise to take a look into the health of the Tesla’s battery, to ask the owner questions about charging habits, and to know a little about Tesla batteries in general. For the best peace of mind, a pre-purchase inspection by a Tesla Service Center can give you excellent decision-making info about the battery health of the used Tesla you are considering.
The cost for a new battery on a Tesla, or on any EV, is pretty high (it is the most expensive part of the EV, after all). However, with real-world data suggesting that Tesla battery packs hold up exceptionally well over time and the knowledge that many Teslas are still under their original battery warranty, your search for a used Tesla doesn’t have to be an anxious, nail-biting experience.
If you’re ready to start your search for a used Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, or even a Roadster, be sure to check out our listings page. We’ve seen everything from original Roadsters to practically un-driven Model Ys, and more Teslas are listed daily. Whether you’re looking for something that’s still within Tesla’s battery warranty or are only interested in that Midnight Silver Metallic paint no matter the year (hey, we like that one too, we won’t judge), you can find it on Find My Electric!
FAQs
Does Tesla replace batteries for free? ›
Speaking of Model 3 warranties, all of them come with 8 year coverage, and either 100,000 or 120,000 miles (for standard or long range trims, respectively). If your battery degrades more than 70% in that time, Tesla will replace your battery - not necessarily with a new one, but with one that does exceed the 70% limit.
Do Tesla batteries only last 10 years? ›On Twitter, Elon Musk explained that Tesla car batteries should last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles or 1,500 battery charge cycles. That's between 22 and 37 years for the average car driver, who, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT), drives 13,476 miles per year.
Is Tesla Model 3 battery replacement cost? ›According to an invoice from Tesla shared by Current Automotive, a complete 75kWh battery replacement for a Model 3 costs $16,550.67. That's $2,299.27 in labor and $14,251.40 in parts, with the actual battery costing $13,500. However, battery prices may vary depending on your vehicle model.
What is the lifespan of a Tesla battery? ›Tesla car batteries can last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles, or 1,500 battery cycles. That's around 22 to 37 years if you're driving 40 miles per day.
Is Tesla battery cheaper than gas? ›It costs $13.96 on average to charge a Tesla. Depending on the car model, it costs between $9.62 and $18.30. In general, the cost of charging a Tesla is 3.6 times cheaper per mile than the cost of fueling a gas-powered car (4.56 cents per mile compared to approximately 16.66 cents per mile for gas vehicles).
What is Tesla maintenance cost? ›According to RepairPal, the average Tesla maintenance cost is $832 per year. That compares to an average of $652 per year for all car models sold in the United States. Depending on which services your Tesla needs, you may end up spending much more than the average car owner on yearly maintenance needs.
Does Tesla still offer lifetime charging? ›If you took delivery of a new Tesla vehicle from Dec 15 - 31, 2022, you may have 10,000 miles of free Supercharging. Note: These miles expire two years after your delivery date and are not transferable to another vehicle or owner. To check if you have free, unlimited Supercharging, open the Tesla app.
Should I charge my Tesla every night? ›We recommend plugging in every evening to top off the battery. What percentage should I charge the battery to? For regular use, we recommend keeping your car set within the 'Daily' range bracket, up to approximately 90%. Charging up to 100% is best saved for when you are preparing for a longer trip.
How long will Tesla 3 battery last? ›When I checked the range at 100% charge, it gave me 287 miles (462 km). The EPA range of our car new was 310 miles. That's 92.6% of its original range, or 7.4% battery degradation, after 3 years and more than 80,000 miles.
Does AAA charge Tesla batteries? ›AAA now has the ability to charge the majority of Electric vehicles, including Electric Motorcycles with this standard plug type. You can also charge a Tesla vehicle using the Tesla J1772 adapter.
Do Teslas keep their value? ›
Compared to regular gas-powered vehicles, Teslas depreciate at a slower rate. One of the main reasons why Teslas retain their value even several years after initial purchase is their mileage range. Most Teslas will last over 500,000 miles, while the average person drives only 13,500 miles yearly.
Will a Tesla last 20 years? ›The Tesla Model S can be maintained for over 20 years as it can go as long as 400,000 to 500,000 miles. The Tesla Model X should be capable of running for a good 15 years (more than 300,000 miles) before a replacement is needed.
What happens when Tesla battery life dies? ›That is one primary concern of Tesla or other electric car owners. Typically, your Tesla will slow down and can no longer move at a normal speed when the battery is low or runs out. That does not mean you cannot move it at all; you can pilot the car to a spot on the side of the road and safely park it.
Is it free to charge your Tesla at a gas station? ›No, it isn't free to charge a Tesla at a charging station. Charging your Tesla at a Supercharger comes with a price, typically around 26 cents per kWh. This is often more expensive than using a different means of charging, such as a 120-volt or 240-volt outlet.
Is the insurance on a Tesla cheaper than gas car? ›On average, electric vehicle models cost 15% more to insure than conventional gas-powered vehicles. Of the electric vehicle models that had corresponding combustion models, MoneyGeek found 6% to 40% higher premiums. Teslas are amongst the most costly electric vehicles to insure.
Are electric charging stations free? ›There are thousands of free electric car charging points in the UK, often in supermarkets, shopping centres, public car parks, and hotels, but some may require a purchase in-store or have time restrictions. Therefore, it's a good idea to check ahead.
Do Teslas need a lot of repairs? ›No, Teslas do not require a lot of maintenance compared to a gas car, which helps keep your Tesla maintenance costs low. This is because these vehicles have only a fraction of the moving parts that a gas-powered internal combustion engine vehicle has.
How long do Tesla tires last? ›It is recommended that tires are replaced every six years, or sooner if required, even if tread depth is above the minimum. When a tire set becomes worn, replace all four tires at the same time.
How often do Teslas need to be serviced? ›| Service | Interval |
|---|---|
| Replace Cabin Air Filter | Every 2 years (Model 3, Model Y) Every 3 Years (Model S, Model X) |
| Rotate Tires, Align Wheels | Every 6,250 miles |
| Test Brake Fluid, Replace If Needed | Every 2 years |
Your Tesla vehicle is designed to maintain its battery over time, and will not overcharge when plugged in for an extended period. For that reason, when you're away from home, we always recommend leaving your vehicle plugged in.
Do original Tesla owners still get free charging? ›
Even though no new Teslas come with free supercharging perks, some older models still boast it, so here's how the rules work: If you bought your Tesla before April 2017 with the free supercharging option, you should still be able to use the perk right now, as long as you're the original owner.
Do I get free charging if I buy a used Tesla? ›SC01: The car has unlimited free supercharging enabled and this is transferable to the next owner via a private sale. This can only occur on cars registered before April 2017 but not all cars will have it. SC04: The car has supercharging enabled but you pay for each charge.
Can I charge my Tesla to 100% once a week? ›If your vehicle is equipped with an LFP Battery, Tesla recommends that you keep your charge limit set to 100%, even for daily use, and that you also fully charge to 100% at least once per week.
Why does Tesla lose battery while parked? ›Your Tesla loses range when parked caused by something called "Vampire battery drain" or just "Vampire drain". This can vary from a few miles per day to quite significant amounts depending on the settings in the car and can be a problem if leaving your car while on holiday.
Is it OK to charge Tesla once a week? ›For vehicles with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) high voltage Batteries, Tesla recommends you keep your charge limit to 100%, even for daily use, and that you also fully charge your vehicle to 100% at least once per week.
What happens to Tesla batteries after 8 years? ›Tesla's policy is that, if your battery stops working within the 8 year warranty, they'll repair or replace it for you. If your battery stops working, that's a malfunction. Capacity loss, where your battery retains less charge, is inevitable.
What is the highest mileage Tesla? ›On January 6, 2022, a Tesla Model S P85 (the oldest performance version) reached an impressive mileage milestone of 1,500,000 km (932,256 miles). The car is used in Germany by Hansjörg von Gemmingen - Hornberg, who is known in the EV world for setting the highest mileage records in Tesla cars.
Do Teslas lose range over time? ›Tesla cars can travel some of the longest driving ranges of any other production electric vehicle on the market. It is natural for estimated range to change, particularly over time or with a recent change in temperature. Read more about the range and efficiency of your Tesla.
Does Tesla battery drain in cold weather? ›Your Tesla vehicle has many features designed to optimize your cold-weather driving experience. In cold weather, vehicles use more energy to heat the battery and cabin, and it's normal to see energy consumption increase.
Do Tesla batteries get weaker over time? ›Tesla Battery Degradation by Age of Car
As you can see in the chart below, a new car starts off giving over 100% of the EPA range, but from there the battery does indeed deteriorate over time. The data showed that by seven years old the average Tesla battery still provides around 93% of its original capacity and range.
What happens if a Tesla gets a flat tire? ›
Roadside Assistance is available to you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for the duration of your warranty period. If your tire is damaged and your vehicle becomes inoperable, you can request roadside assistance immediately from the bottom of the Tesla app home screen.
Will insurance cover a Tesla battery? ›Yes! A standard Tesla warranty covers the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Your battery must also display a minimum 70% retention of battery capacity over the warranty period.
How much does a full Tesla battery cost? ›If you purchase the 2023 standard Model 3, you can expect to pay about $10.94 to fully charge the battery. That brings the cost per mile to about $0.04, or $4.02 per 100 miles. Completely charging the 2032 Performance and Long Range models would cost $14.39.
Are Tesla's really maintenance free? ›Your Tesla vehicle does not require annual maintenance or regular fluid changes. Check your owner's manual for latest maintenance recommendations for your vehicle.
What is Tesla going to do with old batteries? ›Any battery that is no longer meeting a customer's needs can be serviced by Tesla at one of our Service Centers around the world. None of our scrapped lithium-ion batteries go to landfilling, and 100% are recycled.
Does owning a Tesla increase your car insurance? ›Teslas are more expensive to insure than many other cars because of their high repair costs, which increases the cost of collision coverage.
Does a Tesla battery typically cost $10000? ›However, battery costs could change depending on your car's model. Remanufactured packs cost between $9,000-$10,000, but brand-new batteries might cost up to $22,500. Depending on the process's complexity, the average cost to replace a damaged battery pack with a remanufactured one would be between $13,000-$17,000.
Why Tesla insurance is so expensive? ›Are Teslas expensive to insure? Tesla vehicles cost significantly more to insure than other cars. They are luxury vehicles with high-tech features, so finding body shops that can work on them can be challenging. Those factors can cause you to pay higher premiums than you would with another vehicle.
How much are Tesla tires? ›How much are Tesla Model Y tires? Tesla Model Y tires typically range in cost from $195 to $450+, depending on the type and size of tire you've got on your Model Y. If you're running the stock 19-inch tires on your Model Y Long Range, you'll find that your Model Y tires are on the cheaper side of that range.
Why do Teslas not hold their value? ›Teslas depreciate from the moment of purchase, just like any other vehicle. There are a few critical reasons for this, including slower depreciation, steady improvement, demand, and warranty protection.
Will we run out of lithium? ›
The supply crunch won't hit immediately. Even though the price of lithium has surged more than tenfold over the past two years, there's enough capacity to meet anticipated demand until around 2025—and potentially through 2030 if enough recycling operations come online. After that, chronic shortages are expected.
How toxic are the batteries in electric cars? ›Because discarded batteries pose a threat to human health and environmental sustainability, lithium-ion batteries may overheat and fire when exposed to high temperatures or when penetrated, releasing carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide that can be very harmful to human health.
Can lithium batteries be 100% recycled? ›Yes, lithium-ion batteries are recyclable, but the process is a bit complicated. This might be the reason why you're struggling to find a recycling center that processes this kind of waste. The first challenge to lithium recycling is that you can't handle those batteries like any other electronic waste.