Tesla Battery Replacement Cost Explained UK

How Much Does A Tesla Battery Replacement Cost?

A Tesla battery replacement costs £8,000-£20,000 in the UK. Costs vary by model, with higher-end Tesla batteries exceeding £18,000.

However, there’s more to it than one fixed number. In this article, we’ll discuss how Tesla batteries work, the cost to replace them, and even tips on prolonging their lifespan.

Key Takeaways

How much does a Tesla replacement battery cost in the UK?

The average cost for Tesla battery replacement is between £13,000 and £20,000, depending on the vehicle model and age.

One of the biggest factors in battery cost is the capacity; the performance versions have larger battery packs with more cells that cost more to replace.

So, how much are Tesla batteries?

Let’s look at the cost breakdown per Tesla model.

Tesla Model	Average Battery Replacement Cost
Model S (Older Versions 12 yrs+)	£12,000 – £18,000+
Model S (Newer)	£10,000 – £16,000
Model 3	£8,000 – £14,000
Model X	£11,000 – £18,000
Model Y	£9,000 – £15,000

Why are Tesla batteries so expensive?

EV batteries make up a large chunk of a car’s cost, but Teslas tend to be pricier than most due to high material and labour expenses, among other factors.

EV batteries contain costly materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, making them expensive—even for basic models. Tesla batteries cost even more due to vehicle complexity, much like luxury brands with higher repair costs.

Older Model S Teslas (some nearing 12 years) face rising repair costs due to limited parts availability at dealerships. Plus, with batteries buried under the car, replacement is labour-intensive and costly.

Tesla batteries vs other EV models

Let’s look at how much Tesla battery replacement cost vs other popular EV models.

EV Model	Average Battery Replacement Cost
Tesla Model S	£12,000 – £18,000+
Tesla Model 3	£8,000 – £14,000
Tesla Model X	£11,000 – £18,000
Tesla Model Y	£9,000 – £15,000
Nissan Leaf	£6,000 – £9,000
BMW i4	£9,000 – £14,000
Polestar 2	£9,000 – £15,000
Audi e-tron	£8,000 – £13,000
Volkswagen ID.4	£7,000 – £12,000

Comparing different model-specific Tesla battery costs

Want to stick with Tesla? Here’s how the different variants of each model compare.

Tesla Model	Model Variant	Battery Replacement Cost
Model 3	Standard Range	£8,000 – £12,000
Model 3	Long Range	£9,000 – £14,000
Model 3	Performance	£10,000 – £14,000
Model S	Standard Range	£12,000 – £18,000+
Model S	Long Range	£12,000 – £18,000+
Model S	Plaid	£14,000 – £20,000+
Model X	Long Range	£11,000 – £18,000
Model X	Plaid	£14,000 – £20,000+
Model Y	Long Range	£9,000 – £15,000
Model Y	Performance	£10,000 – £15,000

How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last?

Tesla offers varying mileage periods for each vehicle, but generally provides an 8-year warranty across all models. Each period includes the condition that battery capacity must remain above 70%.

Model S: 150,000 miles
Model X: 150,000 miles
Model 3 Long Range: 120,000 miles
Model 3 Performance: 120,000 miles
All other models: 100,000 miles

How often do Tesla batteries need to be replaced?

Tesla batteries barely ever need to be replaced. The company claims that the batteries last from 300,000 to 500,000 miles before you need to replace them. So, the Tesla battery cost might seem high, but most drivers will never have to pay it.

Do Tesla batteries really last 500,000 miles?

Elon Musk explained that lab tests gave 80% battery retention at 500,000 miles. However, the real figure will always depend on the maintenance, usage, and charging habits.

Can you replace a Tesla battery yourself?

No, replacing a Tesla battery yourself is not recommended.

It requires specialised knowledge, tools, and safety measures. If the battery is replaced, Tesla’s warranty may also be voided. This is why it’s important to research ‘How much is a Tesla battery?’ when something seems to be wrong with the car.

Will Tesla replace my battery for free?

Yes, Tesla may replace your battery for free, but only if it’s covered under warranty and the issue is due to a manufacturing defect.

Battery replacements outside of warranty are generally at the owner’s expense—so you’ll need to know the latest Tesla replacement battery cost.

About Tesla battery technology

Tesla uses Lithium-Ion batteries, similar to those in laptops and phones, but on a much larger scale. These batteries store and release energy by moving lithium ions across electrodes, generating voltage.

A typical Tesla battery contains over 7,000 cells. To maintain optimal temperature, complex cooling and heating systems are used, with some Teslas using the car's air conditioning to cool the batteries.

Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries (LFP) in Teslas

Some Tesla models, like the single-motor Model Y and Model 3, use LFP batteries, which are considered safer than Lithium-Ion batteries.

LFP batteries have two distinct downsides: slightly reduced energy density, resulting in shorter range, and worse performance in cold weather.

How to check Tesla Battery health

After learning about the Tesla Model 3 battery replacement cost, you might want to check up on your battery to find out whether you’ll have to pay anytime soon.

Here are five quick steps you can use to check Tesla battery health:

Open the Tesla App
Check Battery Range and compare the current range with the original.
Monitor Charging and watch for any sudden drops in charging efficiency.
Use the Energy App and check for unusual energy consumption.
Contact Tesla if you notice a significant issue

How To Make Your Tesla Battery Last Longer

To avoid costly battery replacements, take care of your car’s battery from day one. Proper use is just as important as regular maintenance.

While advice can vary, here are the best tips to extend your Tesla battery’s life:

1. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring of Battery Health

To keep abreast of what habits affect the battery’s health, check in regularly with the battery monitor on your vehicle. It has great information about battery temperatures, state of charge and more.

2. Proper Charging Habits

While supercharging stations are convenient, frequent use can harm the battery’s health. Most EV manufacturers recommend using slower household wall chargers.

It’s believed that slow charging helps retain up to 10% more battery health over 8 years compared to regular supercharging.

3. Driving Habits

Temperature significantly impacts battery life, with extreme cold or heat reducing performance.

In regions with extreme temperatures, EVs use battery cooling systems, even while parked, to prevent overheating.

Tesla's battery warranty

Tesla offers a strong battery warranty compared to other brands, with all models covered for at least 100,000 miles or 8 years, whichever comes first.

If you intend to keep your EV for over 5 years, it is vital to check the warranty period from the manufacturer. For some comparison, Renault offers 8 years/100,000 miles, Toyota offers 15 years, and Ford only offers 3 years/60,000 miles.

If you need to replace your Tesla or other EV’s battery, check your warranty period early, as Tesla won’t honour claims made after it expires.

How to make a battery warranty claim with Tesla UK

Contact the dealer or Tesla Centre where you purchased your car to initiate a warranty claim.

Tesla will require details such as the purchase date, current mileage, battery capacity, and other relevant information.

Final thoughts on Tesla battery replacement

If you're considering an EV, it’s vital to ascertain what battery warranty the manufacturer gives and compare that to how long you intend to keep the car. Having to pay out of pocket for an EV battery replacement will rarely make for a cost-effective purchase!

Learn more on the Bumper blog.

How Bumper can help

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