The electric battery of a Tesla electric vehicle is its most expensive component. Although the Tesla battery is designed to last for multiple decades, poor practices can cause it to die much earlier.
The average Tesla battery replacement cost depends on many factors, such as the Tesla model and the battery size.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Tesla Battery?
Although Tesla electric cars are designed to be vehicles of the future, they are not exempt from breaking down just like any other vehicle.
The costliest expense of maintaining a Tesla is having to replace its battery. The average cost of replacing a Tesla battery is usually around 13000 to 14000 USD.
However, the average battery replacement costs will vary with:
The Model of the Tesla Electric Vehicle
Different Tesla Models are designed to cater to different consumer needs and hence have different weights, sizes, features, and battery sizes.
A heavier Tesla electric vehicle Model needs a bigger-sized battery to store more charge. Hence, replacing a larger battery will also be more expensive in comparison.
The Variant of the Tesla Model
Nearly all Tesla electric vehicle models come in two variants with different battery sizes and prices. For instance, a Model 3 Tesla EV comes in a long-range variant and a performance variant.
The performance range variate has a battery with a higher capacity that offers a higher range. As a result, replacing this EV’s battery will be more expensive than replacing the long-range variant’s battery.
Size and Capacity of the Electric Battery
The bigger the size or higher the capacity of a Tesla EV’s battery, the costlier its replacement or repair will be.
The Battery’s Chemical Composition
Newer Tesla electric vehicles usually come with lithium-ion electric batteries, while some models and older versions have nickel-cobalt batteries.
This is because lithium-ion batteries recharge faster, carry more charge, and are more energy-efficient.
The cost of manufacturing a lithium-ion battery is significantly higher than manufacturing a nickel-cobalt battery.
Hence, the cost of replacing a Tesla battery with a lithium-ion chemical composition will be much higher in comparison.
The Availability of the Tesla Electric Battery
The cost of replacing a certain type and size of Tesla electric battery will be the same almost everywhere in the US. However, this will not be the case everywhere else in the world.
Although countries like the USA and China have their own Tesla manufacturing plants, many countries have to import Tesla EVs and their different electric parts.
If the supply of a certain type of Tesla EV battery is short in a country, the added import taxes will make the battery replacement costs even more expensive.
The Regional Labor Costs and Any Additional Needed Parts
The labor costs can vary significantly within a country and even more drastically across the globe. Countries with cheaper labor services have lower total costs of replacing a Tesla battery.
On the other hand, many European countries and the US have expensive labor services and hence the battery replacement costs go up as a result.
Moreover, if installing a new battery also requires additional parts like wires or cable connectors, the total cost will go up.
In general, the cost of additional new wires and connectors add 20 to 200 USD to the total battery replacement costs.
Read What Happens if Your Tesla Runs Out of Battery?
Tesla Battery Replacement Costs for Different Tesla EV Models
Battery Replacement Costs for Tesla Model S
In general, the cost of purchasing a new Tesla Model S battery can range between 12,000 and 15,000 USD.
However, after adding all additional labor, wiring, etc., the total replacement costs can go up.
As mentioned earlier, in the US, the price of new wiring or cable connectors can range between 20 to 200 USD.
Moreover, the average labor rate at Tesla service centers is almost 175 to 200 USD per hour.
Since the total duration of battery replacement for the Tesla Model S battery will depend on how extensive the damage is, the total duration of the process will vary.
The complete battery replacement process can take anywhere from 3 to 13 hours.
This can add almost 525 to 2700 USD to the total replacement costs. After all the respective costs are added, the total cost of replacing a Tesla Model S battery can range between 13,000 and 20,000 USD.
Battery Replacement Costs for Tesla Model X
The replacement for a Tesla Model X also takes up to almost 3 to 13 hours (like the Model S), depending on the complications involved.
The Tesla Model X standard range battery has an 80kWh capacity and offers 348 miles of range. On the other hand, the Model X long-range battery has a 100kWh capacity and offers 353 to 360 miles.
A new Tesla Model X 100kWh battery on average costs around 13,500 USD, and the 80kWh battery pack will be slightly cheaper than this. If the battery has been remanufactured, you’ll pay less for it.
After adding all the different costs, an average Tesla Model X battery replacement cost will range from around 14,000 to 15,000 USD. This figure varies in different countries and regions.
Read How Much Time Does It Take to Charge a Tesla
Battery Replacement Costs for Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is an all-wheel-drive SUV designed for rougher landscapes and steep slopes. Hence, this Tesla electric vehicle has a large battery (75kWh to 82kWh) to carry more charge.
Surprisingly, the reported percentage of a Tesla Model Y needing a battery replacement is significantly lower than any other Tesla model.
This means Model Y users do not have to incur the costs of replacing a battery that often.
However, when a Model Y battery pack does need a replacement, the average cost of a new battery is around 10,000 to 12,000 USD.
After adding labor and all other related costs, the total cost of battery replacement can be anything between 11,0000 and 15,000 USD.
Battery Replacement Costs for Tesla Model 3
A Tesla Model 3 has different standard range and performance range EV variants, with battery pack sizes between 50kWh to 83kWh.
The average Tesla Model 3 battery price is between 7000 and 11,000 USD; however, higher prices, such as 13,500 USD for a 75kWh battery, have also been recorded.
Currently, Tesla is working hard to reduce the costs of manufacturing their lithium-ion batteries. With lower manufacturing prices, the initial cost will drop, and eventually, so will battery replacement costs.
After adding the estimated labor and other miscellaneous expenses, the replacement cost for a Tesla Model 3 is expected to be around 13,000 to 14,000 USD.
Read How Many Solar Panels Are Needed to Charge a Tesla?
How Long Do Tesla Batteries Last?
Tesla batteries are designed to be technologically superior to have lower rates of depreciation and life spans long enough to outlast the life of the EV’s body.
This means that most Tesla EVs will offer more than 500,000 miles in their lifetime.
The general range offered by most Tesla electric vehicles is 336 miles. This means that most Tesla EV batteries will be fully depleted after covering this distance.
Moreover, the average expected lifespan of a Tesla battery can be anywhere from 35 to 37 years.
However, many different factors will determine a Tesla battery’s life per charge and total lifespan. In general, a Tesla battery’s total lifespan will depend on:
The Tesla Model
Different sized batteries have different total lifespans. As a result, different Tesla Models will have their batteries last for different durations.
The table below shows data about the average life or range of different Tesla Models and their different battery packs.
| Tesla Model | Battery Capacity | Range (Battery Life Per Charge) |
| Model S 60D | 60 kWh | 242 miles |
| Model S 75D | 75 kWh | 310 miles |
| Model S Standard Range | 80 kWh | 280 miles |
| Model S 85D | 85 kWh | 328 miles |
| Model S 100D | 100 kWh | 395 miles |
| Model S Performance | 100 kWh | 370 miles |
| Model S Long Range | 100 kWh | 405 miles |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 200 kWh | 500 miles |
Read How Much Money Do You Save with a Tesla Electric Car?
Tesla Battery Care
Most Tesla models now come with lithium-ion battery packs that are highly energy efficient but extremely sensitive.
Poor care, incorrect charging practices, and mishandling can cause the battery lifespans and range to shorten significantly.
The Ways a Tesla is Driven
Poor driving practices can add a lot of stress to a Tesla electric vehicle’s battery. As a result, with prolonged periods of stress, the total battery range and lifespan eventually drop.
The Usage of the Tesla Energy App
Tesla is a brand that focuses on enhancing consumer convenience and comfort. It has a built-in energy app that allows a Tesla driver to monitor the charge and condition of the EV’s battery pack.
Moreover, it offers guidance and tips to optimize battery usage in order to protect the battery’s range and lengthen its total lifespan.
Read What is the Purpose of Tesla Sentry Mode?
When Does a Tesla Battery Need Replacement?
The costs of replacing a Tesla battery are very high. Hence, Tesla owners try to avoid replacing their electric vehicle’s batteries.
Usually, an owner will initially attempt to repair the battery damages as repair costs are much lower than replacement costs.
However, certain signs and situations indicate that a battery is rapidly depreciating or damaged enough to require a repair. Some common warning signs include:
- The battery starts losing charge quickly despite being fully charged
- There is a drastic drop (more than 20%) in the battery’s driving range
- The drop of average range to fall below the 30% warning criteria
- The Tesla touch screen or mobile application notifies battery damage
- The Tesla electric vehicle does not start. Or it stops moving (this is when the battery is completely dead).
Read What is Tesla Destination Charging?
Tips to Take Care of the Battery to Avoid Battery Replacement Costs
- Charge the Tesla battery between the 20% and 90% range. This is the optimal battery charge range, as advised by Elon Musk. Keeping the charge between this range helps improve battery capacity and range.
- Refrain from letting the Tesla’s battery completely discharge before recharging it. Every time a lithium-ion battery fully discharges, it loses some of its charge carrying capacity.
- Always use the company-provided charging cable to charge the Tesla battery.
- Use the home charging system as often as possible and only use public DC fast superchargers in cases of emergencies or when traveling.
- Refrain from unnecessarily riding the Tesla over rough landscapes. Doing so adds stress to the battery and affects its total range.
- Do not load excessive weights onto your Tesla. This adds stress to the battery, reducing the range.
- When the weather is too hot, allow the Tesla battery time to cool down before putting it on recharge.
- When the external weather is too cold, give the Tesla battery time to warm up before hitting the road.
- Use regenerative braking systems and refrain from hitting the brakes too often/making frequent short trips.
- Continuous acceleration depletes the Tesla battery quickly and also reduces its overall range and charge storing capacity. Hence, try to drive the Tesla at consistent speeds.
- Do not drive the Tesla if the tire pressure is too low. Click here for guidance regarding adjusting a Tesla’s tire pressure.
Related electric car articles:
- How Much Does a Used Tesla Cost
- How to Precondition a Tesla Battery
- Electric Car Without Battery
- How Many Watts Does An Electric Car Use?
- How to Invest in EV Car Charging Stations
- Can Any Electric Car Use Tesla Charging Stations
Final Thoughts
The battery of a Tesla electric vehicle is its most expensive and sensitive component. As such, it comes with extremely high replacement costs.
Although a Tesla battery is designed to outlive the EV’s body, poor handling can cause a battery to degrade rapidly and die.
However, consistent charging routines, proper driving practices, controlled accelerations, etc., are some tips for protecting a Tesla battery’s lifespan to avoid having to replace it.
My name is Matthew, staying in Seattle, Washington. Electric Vehicles (Electric Cars & Electric bikes) caught my attention for the last few years and my love for electric cars and bikes is everlasting. I spend many of my weekends traveling to various places all over various cities with my electric vehicle (e-bike and electric car). Here I am sharing my expertise, experience, and invaluable information about electric cars and electric bikes. Check out more.