How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Tesla Battery?

Last Updated on April 22, 2022

A Tesla, like a gas-powered car, has a battery. However, replacing a Tesla battery is not like replacing an ordinary car battery.

It costs $10,000 to $25,000 to replace a Tesla battery, depending on your vehicle.

That may seem expensive. However, Tesla claims its batteries should last 300,000 to 500,000 miles without needing replacement. In fact, most Tesla batteries are designed to outlast the vehicle itself. In comparison, a standard vehicle battery lasts 3 to 5 years before needing replacement.

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the cost of replacing a Tesla battery.

Table of Contents:

It Costs $10,000 to $25,000 to Replace a Tesla Battery

When you buy a Tesla, nearly half of your purchase goes towards the battery. Tesla batteries are expensive, and each Tesla vehicle uses multiple battery modules.

According to Elon Musk, it costs $5,000 to $7,000 to replace a battery module in a Tesla. Each Tesla vehicle uses four to five battery modules, which means a complete Tesla battery replacement should cost $20,000 to $35,000.

Today, however, you could pay less or more than that amount to replace a Tesla battery.

According to a report by Current Automotive, which used a Tesla invoice as a source, it costs $16,550.67 to completely replace a 75kWh battery in a Tesla Model 3. That cost included $14,251.40 in parts and $2,299.27 in labor. The battery itself was priced at $13,500.

The price of batteries varies between models. You could pay $9,000 to $10,000 for a remanufactured battery pack, for example, or as much as $22,500 for a new battery pack.

Some Tesla drivers replace a damaged battery pack with a remanufactured one to save money. This replacement should cost $13,000 to $17,000. However, if you want to buy a completely new battery, then you could spend as much as $25,000, including parts and labor.

How Tesla Battery Replacement Works

A Tesla has multiple battery modules within a battery pack. That’s why Tesla battery replacement is different than ordinary vehicle battery replacement.

An ordinary, gas-powered vehicle has a single battery (typically a lead-acid battery). This battery starts the car and powers electrical components within the vehicle. Because the car mostly runs on gas, the car doesn’t need a large battery.

A Tesla works differently. A Tesla is completely electric, which means you need more battery power.

If you have a problem with one battery module in your Tesla, then it’s a serious issue. Voltages need to be similar across all battery modules. Otherwise, your vehicle may struggle to run.

When your Tesla battery module has a problem, you bring it to Tesla and they replace the entire battery pack – not just a single module. They will install a new or remanufactured battery pack, then send the old battery pack to their facilities for repair and refurbishment. Then, your old battery pack could be manufactured into another Tesla that also needs replacement.

Other Options for Replacing a Tesla Battery

Generally, it’s best to repair your Tesla with Tesla. However, battery replacement with Tesla is expensive. Some drivers look for other options.

Local Repair Shops: If your Tesla is having issues, then consider taking it to a local repair shop. The local repair shop may be able to check the vehicle thoroughly to identify the problem and execute repairs. The repair shop may not give you a new battery, but they could fix the problem at a cheaper price than Tesla. Look for a repair shop with experience working with Teslas.

DIY Repairs: DIY repairs are not a practical option for Tesla vehicles. Unless you have specialized parts, knowledge, and tools, it will be difficult to replace a Tesla battery at home on your own. Batteries are dangerous components with lots of voltage, and you could injure yourself while attempting a DIY replacement.

Does Insurance Cover Tesla Battery Replacement Costs?

Unless you have Tesla Insurance, it’s unlikely for a standard insurance company to cover the cost of replacing a battery in your Tesla. Insurance does not cover maintenance or wear and tear-related expenses. Battery replacement is an expected part of owning a Tesla and any other vehicle.

However, if you have roadside assistance with your insurance or through a third party like AAA, you may be able to make a claim for towing or vehicle jumpstarts. If your Tesla dies and needs towing to a repair facility, for example, then your roadside assistance policy may cover this towing up to a certain limit.

Does My Tesla Warranty Cover Battery Replacement?

Although insurance won’t cover Tesla battery replacement, your Tesla warranty could cover replacements.

A standard Tesla warranty covers manufacturing defects to the battery and related equipment for up to 8 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first).

If a part of your Tesla fails within the first 8 years or 150,000 miles of ownership, then Tesla may cover the cost of repairing and replacing the affected parts. Your warranty should cover the parts, labor, and related costs of the repair.

Tesla’s warranty could even cover towing expenses.

The Tesla warranty varies slightly between models. However, here are the most important things to know about your Tesla warranty:

  • A standard Tesla warranty covers your battery, vehicle, and associated equipment against manufacturing defects for 8 years or 150,000 miles
  • If you have a pre-2020 Model S or Model X Tesla, then your warranty covers you for 8 years and unlimited miles (unless you have a 60kWh or 40kWh battery, in which case you’re covered for 8 years or 125,000 miles)
  • All Tesla warranties also cover battery degradation; if your battery loses more than 30% of its original capacity during the warranty period, then Tesla will cover the cost of replacing the battery

Check your Tesla warranty to verify coverage.

Signs Your Tesla Battery Needs to Be Replaced

A standard Tesla battery is designed to outlast your car: you can expect a Tesla battery to last 300,000 to 500,000 miles, according to Tesla.

However, your Tesla battery could fail for various reasons, including:

  • A sudden drop in driving range (more than 20% drop)
  • Degradation of range beyond the 30% warranty criteria
  • Inability to hold a charge at all
  • Notifications reporting problems with the battery

Final Word – Tesla Battery Replacement Cost

A standard Tesla battery is designed to outlast the vehicle itself. According to Tesla, you can expect a Tesla battery to last 300,000 to 500,000 miles or longer, which means most Tesla drivers never need to worry about replacement.

However, if your battery has failed for various reasons, then you may need to replace it.

It costs $10,000 to $25,000 to replace a Tesla battery, depending on the battery type and size.

Contact Tesla today to determine how much your Tesla battery replacement could cost.

James Shaffer
James Shaffer James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. He has a deep knowledge of insurance rules and regulations and is passionate about helping drivers save money on auto insurance. He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post.
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