How much does it cost to replace a tesla model s battery

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How much does it cost to replace a battery in a Tesla?

I need to replace the battery in my Tesla Model S. How much will this cost me?

The price will depend on the labor and parts required, but the most basic Tesla battery replacement usually costs between $13,000 and $14,000. Before paying for the repairs out of pocket, it’s worth checking to see if you have a warranty or insurance coverage to help with the cost.

Battery replacement can cost up to $20,000 for the Model S, though it’s unlikely that you’ll need to pay that much. Here’s a breakdown of the costs for a typical battery replacement:

$12,000 to $15,000 for the battery itself
$20 to $200 for other replacement parts, like connectors and wiring
$175 per hour for labor—battery replacement can take anywhere from three to 13 hours
Potential additional labor costs if the repairs are complicated or there are any issues with the replacement

Some insurance companies will offer a mechanical breakdown add-on. This kind of insurance can be really helpful if you’re worried about the possibility of more expensive repairs. If you’re interested in changing your current policy or switching to a new one, the Jerry app will help you compare coverages and prices for free.

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Owning a new Tesla may be more expensive than you think—especially if the battery gets damaged in a way that voids your warranty.

The benefits of owning an electric vehicle far outweigh the negatives. The ability to charge your vehicle overnight in your own garage or driveway, no emissions, less maintenance, and a far quieter ride than a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle are big selling points. No longer being at the mercy of seemingly arbitrary gasoline prices is a huge plus, too.

But when you’re driving what’s essentially a giant battery with wheels, what happens when that battery dies for good? Here's a breakdown for the true cost of replacing a Tesla battery.

Replacing a battery is a costly repair under the wrong circumstances

The true cost of replacing an electric vehicle battery—in this case a Tesla Model 3—can be a lot higher than people might realize. While most automakers offer warranties for their electric vehicle batteries for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, those not covered by warranty can get very pricey, very quickly.

While a cursory search for battery replacement costs will produce results ranging anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000, the true cost can be much more.

That’s the case for one person’s Tesla Model 3 that underwent a battery replacement in 2020 caused by physical damage to the battery itself, enough to render it inoperable. The culprit? Some kind of large rock—which is something warranties don’t normally cover.

The actual cost to replace a Tesla battery

The cost to replace a Tesla battery depend largely on the warranty coverage.

Warranties can be funny things. If the rock had caused the battery to catch fire, it would be covered by Tesla’s warranty. Instead, it had to be covered by insurance, which is why the manufacturer detailed the cost of replacement in an invoice that the customer would usually not see for warranty work.

The grand total? $16,550—and that’s using a remanufactured Tesla battery. With global supply chain issues, component shortages, and the increasing cost of minerals used to manufacture batteries, the cost of a replacement might be even greater two years later.

Out of pocket, Tesla owners can expect costs of around $10,000 to $13,000 for the battery itself, depending on the model. Of course, there will also be an extra $100 or so for other parts, plus a few extra hundred dollars in labor costs—and that's a lower estimate.

Tesla increased its vehicle prices to address higher costs in 2021, but was able to avoid the bulk of supply chain issues by bringing much of its production in-house to the U.S.

Does the cost of batteries make owning an EV out of the question?

It depends on if the damage caused to your battery is covered by the warranty. Again, most automakers offer longer warranty periods for EVs than they do for their gas-powered vehicles.

When a battery is as expensive to replace as a Tesla’s, potential customers need assurance that they’ll be covered in the event of a catastrophic failure that bricks the vehicle.

Most EV drivers will never have to worry about replacing their car’s batteries. If they do, it will likely be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Save on insurance with Jerry

Tesla vehicles can be costly to insure; Tesla owners sometimes pay more for car insurance due to high repair costs (including the battery). That’s why it pays to shop around for insurance—and Jerry can help with that.

The free Jerry app can help you find the most affordable car insurance and the best coverage by comparing quotes from up to 50 different insurance providers in under a minute.

Jerry has no long forms and keeps you updated with new competitive rates before policy renewal. You’ll always have the most affordable option for the coverage you need.

How much does a Tesla Model S battery cost to replace?

Tesla battery replacement cost varies depending on the labor and parts needed. Typically, the most basic battery replacement in tesla costs between $13,000 and $14,000. For the Model S premium sedan, replacing a Tesla battery costs around $13,000-$20,000.

How long does a Tesla Model S battery last?

According to Elon Musk on Twitter, Tesla car batteries are supposed to technically last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles, which is 1,500 battery cycles. That's between 22 and 37 years for the average car driver, who, according to the Department of Transportation, drives about 13,500 miles per year.

How often does a Tesla battery need to be replaced?

According to Elon Musk, Tesla batteries last between 300,000 to 500,000 miles. The average person drives 273 miles a week, so you can expect your Tesla battery to last anywhere from 21 to 35 years, depending on your driving habits. Point being, Tesla batteries will rarely (if ever) need to be replaced.

Why are Tesla batteries so expensive to replace?

With global supply chain issues, component shortages, and the increasing cost of minerals used to manufacture batteries, the cost of a replacement might be even greater two years later. Out of pocket, Tesla owners can expect costs of around $10,000 to $13,000 for the battery itself, depending on the model.