If you want to buy a Tesla, you won’t be disappointed by the battery’s aspect. Whether it’s longevity or performance, Elon Musk, and his team have incorporated powerful batteries in every model. But how durable are their batteries? Do you need to replace them? What is the Tesla battery cost?
On average, a Tesla battery costs between $10,000 to $15,000, and the replacement may cost around $20,000. The battery price for Model S and Model X is usually around $12,000 to $15,000. On the other hand, Model Y and Model 3’s batteries cost $7,000 to $11,000 on average.
Tesla batteries have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, depending on your usage. So you won’t have to worry about replacing yours anytime soon. Let’s discover more about a Tesla battery cost, replacement requirements, and ways to change it.
What To Know About a Tesla Battery
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The Tesla battery is the mastermind that juices all the vehicle’s components. It powers the engine and ensures a smooth driving experience and performance on a journey. A typical Tesla battery is made of numerous lithium-ion cells. Tesla uses a liquid cooling system to prevent the battery from heating up. For better heat dissipation, a sturdy metal case protects the battery.
The Tesla battery is in the car’s front trunk with a big metal case covering it. It is under the floor pan, connected to the electric motors for power. The average battery weighs around 900 pounds or more. Of course, it seems too much, but it’s enough considering the range and power of the battery.
How Much Does a Tesla Battery Cost?
Tesla’s battery pack has multiple components, which end contribute to the total cost of a Tesla battery. Here is what the breakdown looks like:
- The battery’s cells cost around $400 for every kWh, making up the highest part of the total price.
- The cooling system comes second with 10% of the total cost. If your Tesla battery costs around $12,000, its coolant will be $1,200.
- Other components, such as the wiring and control unit, account for 5 to 10% of the total battery cost.
Do You Have To Replace a Tesla Battery?
Tesla batteries are durable, but they do need replacement in the long run. Based on the vehicle’s mileage and other factors, a Tesla battery can last for 15 to 20 years without needing a change. So, you must evaluate the Tesla battery cost to see whether it fits your budget.
Tesla Battery Replacement Cost for Each Model
Compared to other vehicle brands, Tesla batteries are costly to replace. The cost varies with the model but is somewhere in the range of $20,000. But since Teslas are electric vehicles (EVs), the high replacement costs make sense.
Here is a quick breakdown of a Tesla battery cost for every model:
Model X
The first Model X was released in 2015 with a remarkable performance and battery performance. This mid-size crossover vehicle features a 18650-type battery, which allows it to have a maximum range of 348 miles on a single full charge. The car’s battery also enables the car to hit 60 mph from 0 in just 2.9 seconds, reaching a 163 mph maximum speed.
Model X’s battery costs between $12,000 to $15,000. When you take the car for a replacement, it will cost you around $13,000 to $20,000, including:
- Labor cost: $525 to $2,600
- Total time taken for replacement: 3 to 13 hours
- Other costs: $20 to $200
Model S
Released three years earlier than Model X, the Tesla Model S came out in 2012 as the company’s flagship EV. It incorporates a 18650-type battery that powers up the car for a maximum range of 405 miles per full charge. That’s a bit better than Model X. Tesla claims the Model S can go from 0 to 60mph in only 2.3 seconds with a 216 mph maximum speed.
This Tesla battery costs between $13,000 to $20,000. Regarding the replacement, you may have to bear the following additional costs, making up to $13,000 to $20,000.
- Labor cost: $525 to $2,600
- Total time taken for replacement: 3 to 13 hours
- Other costs: $20 to $200
Model 3
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Tesla Model 3 is a sedan released in 2017. It features a 2170-type battery with a 358-mile-per-charge of maximum range. The car can hit 60 mph from 0 in only 3.1 seconds with a full speed of 162 mph. The battery cost of the Tesla Model 3 is around $7,000 to $11,000, with the replacement costs totaling $13,000 to $14,000. Below is a quick breakdown of all the prices:
- Labor cost: $525 to $2,600
- Total time taken for replacement: 3 to 13 hours
- Other costs: $20 to $200
Model Y
Model Y is the latest addition to the company’s car collection. This compact crossover was released in 2020 with almost the same components as Model 3. It also resembles the Model X in terms of size and affordability. Model Y features a 2170-type battery that empowers the car to deliver 310 miles on a single full charge.
This Tesla model can reach 60 mph from 0 in 4.1 seconds at a 155 mph maximum speed. Considering the Tesla battery cost, you must bear around $7,000 to $11,000. The total replacement cost will range between $13,000 to $14,000, including:
- Labor cost: $525 to $2,600
- Total time taken for replacement: 3 to 13 hours
- Other costs: $20 to $200
So, as you saw, the labor and miscellaneous costs of each Tesla Model are the same. The significant difference is the Tesla battery cost of every model.
When Should You Replace Your Tesla Battery?
Like every other car, Tesla batteries need replacement after a specific. How soon they need the change depends on many factors, such as mileage, repairs, and maintenance. The company recommends car owners replace their vehicle’s battery after a decade or so. But fortunately, you can even go a decade more with the original battery.
You can know your Tesla battery needs a replacement when it shows:
- A reduced speed range
- Poor performance, especially in colder environments
- Short battery span or more charging time
Notice any of the above signs in your Tesla? Drive down to the nearest car service company for a battery check-up. The professionals will evaluate your car’s battery and tell you whether your Tesla needs a new battery. Keeping an eye on your Tesla will ensure its best performance for extended periods.
Where To Take Your Tesla for Battery Replacement
Now that you know the Tesla battery cost, you must also know where to take your vehicle for the battery replacement. You will have three options for this job, including:
The Official Tesla Service Center
Your first option should be to take your car to the nearest Tesla Service Center. It comes with no risks and a 99% guarantee that your Tesla’s battery will be good as new. The professionals will assess the battery and decide whether to replace just a single module or an entirely new pack.
Tesla mostly opts for the latter option to ensure your car gets a 100% new battery. The company then sends the damaged battery for repairs. While safe and efficient, this process is way more costly than the other options.
Third-Party Repair Shops
If you’re in no mood to spend $15,000 to $20,000 at a Tesla store, you can take your car to a third-party Tesla repair shop to save a lot of bucks. These places also have a team of professionals who will check your Tesla, diagnose the issue, and make the required changes.
Don’t expect to get your car’s battery replaced with a completely new one. However, the experts will fix the problems immediately to make your vehicle run as efficiently as before. Remember, Tesla doesn’t own or regulate these third-party shops, so research before taking your car to any.
At Home
You can replace your Tesla battery at home only if you know how. Electric cars usually have high voltages, so you may get electrocuted if things go south. But if you’re confident, you can start by searching for Tesla battery modules and packs online.
Many sellers, such as Stealth EV, offer Tesla batteries at a very low price, starting from $1,500 for a 5.3 kWh Battery Module and 85 kWh Pack for Model X and S. However, if you need a completely new replacement battery for your car, you can get a Battery Management System from your nearest Tesla store.
When buying Tesla batteries, always ensure they’re from a trusted manufacturer. This can help prevent accidents in the future. Still, we recommend you replace your Tesla battery with a professional. Of course, it won’t be cheap. You can get a significant price cut down if your battery’s warranty limit remains. In such a case, Tesla’s official service store will replace it without cost!
Wrap Up
A Tesla battery costs around $10,000 to $15,000 and requires replacement every 10 to 20 years. You could spend between $10,000 to $20,000 to replace your Tesla battery, with the ultimate cost depending on the model and make. As a responsible Tesla owner, you must know when your vehicle needs a battery replacement.
It’s a good idea to replace your Tesla battery when it shows poor performance, takes longer to charge, and when its range reduces. If you observe any such signs, take your car to the nearest Tesla service center. You can also visit a third-party store to save a few bucks on battery replacement.
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