What do you do if your Tesla battery starts to age? Is it possible to replace the battery at home? Is it even safe? !
Tesla is currently the king of electric vehicles. It defeated many automakers that have over 100 years experience in their field. Even though electric cars may be the future, they are still susceptible to wear and damage.
Even though electric cars don’t require annual oil changes or radiator cooling fluid refills, the battery pack can still wear down over time. You’ll need to replace your battery pack if it fails, either from an accident or regular wear and tear.
How much does it cost for a Tesla to get a new battery? Is it possible to do it yourself?
Tesla Battery Life Expected
You don’t have to worry about the battery replacement cost if you are planning to replace your battery in the future. Tesla claims that Model S and Model X still retain 90% capacity after 200,000 miles. This claim is supported by third-party data from NickelFins, which shows that 150,000-mile models still maintain over 80% capacity at 90% and 200,000 miles respectively.
The average American drives approximately 14,000 miles per annum. It would take the average Tesla 14 years to reach the 200,000-mile mark. The chances of your Tesla needing to be replaced in their entire life are low, as most Americans keep their cars for close to 12 years.
Tesla also offers a great warranty on the battery and drive unit. The warranty on all Tesla cars is either eight years or 100,000 miles (for the base Model 3) or 150,000 miles (for Model S, Model X), whichever comes first. This guarantee guarantees that the batteries will retain at least 70% of their capacity within the time period.
However, let’s say you accidentally damage the battery in your car. It could also die unexpectedly from a defect in the factory, which would mean that your warranty is no longer valid. If that happens, you will need to pay for a new one. How much will it cost?
What is the cost of a Tesla Battery? Elon Musk Said…
In 2019, Elon Musk stated that replacing the battery modules would only cost between $5,000 and $7,000. A Tesla model has between four to five battery modules, so a total replacement will cost between $20,000 and $35,000.
The Model 3’s most affordable model is $44,990, before rebates. This means that the battery costs almost half of the price. Actual dealer prices may vary slightly from what the CEO stated.
Tesla Battery Replacement Costs for Dealers
A Tesla invoice shared by Present Automotive shows that a 75kWh replacement battery for a Model 3 is $16,550.67. This is $2,299.27 labor and $14,251.40 parts. The actual battery will cost $13,500
However, prices for batteries can vary depending on the vehicle you drive. Rich Rebuilds shared that remanufactured batteries cost between $9,000 to $10,000 and new batteries can run up to $22,500.
The average cost to replace a damaged battery pack with one made from remanufactured material would be between $13,000 and $17,000 depending on how complex the job is. If you choose to buy a new battery, expect to spend upwards of $25,000
How Tesla Replaces Batteries
There are many reasons why a Tesla battery pack might fail. There could be a problem with the voltage regulator, fuse, or other minor issues. If the problem is in one module of a battery, it can affect the whole battery pack.
Because all the voltages across each battery module must be identical. Even if one module has a different value than the rest, it can cause the entire pack to fail.
Tesla will fix your car if that happens. They won’t replace one module. They will install a new or remanufactured pack of batteries and send the old one back to their battery plants for refurbishment and repair. After the battery pack has been checked and repaired, the pack can be returned to the system.
Because they want to make sure that your battery is 100% healthy, they won’t swap out any of the modules at Tesla shops. Instead of changing one component of the battery, they have professionals inspect it at their facilities before putting it back into your car and calling it good.
This is a great way to make sure your car is in near-new condition after they service it. However, it can be costly and may not be affordable for all owners. Third-party repair shops are here to help.
Tesla Repair Shops Third-Party
You have the option of visiting third-party repair shops if spending $15,000 to replace your Tesla’s battery is not feasible. These shops will inspect your car thoroughly to determine the problem and then perform the necessary repairs.
Although you may not be able to get a new battery, they can fix the problem and get you back on your way. Moreover, these shops are generally cheaper than Tesla’s.
These shops are not regulated by Tesla so you need to be cautious when choosing one to service your electric vehicle. Before you commit, make sure to read reviews and ask for referrals from friends who have had their cars serviced by them in the past.
Is it possible to replace a Tesla battery at home?
You might have to spend time and money on training and equipment if you want to repair your Tesla by yourself. To diagnose problems reliably, you need to be familiar with the car’s operating systems.
It is also difficult to find specialized parts, plans, or schematics. You shouldn’t attempt to service electric cars unless you are skilled and willing to take on the risk of damaging your Tesla.
If you are really interested in building your Tesla, you have many groups to join or YouTube channels to follow. Be aware that these high-voltage batteries can be dangerous and can cause serious injury to anyone who doesn’t know how to use them. There are serious health risks when you try to change a Tesla battery at your home.
You should be ready to lay out some cash
You should expect to spend some money, regardless of whether you plan to replace your Tesla batteries at the Tesla Shop or at a third-party shop. Because they replace your battery with either a factory-remanufactured, or a brand-new one, Tesla repairs are the best choice. They ensure that your battery is in perfect health and will not have any issues for many years.
If you don’t have the funds to pay $15,000 or more for your Tesla, then the next best thing is to visit a third-party Tesla repair shop. These service centers will save you money if you choose the right one. You could also do it yourself, provided that you have the necessary knowledge or are willing to learn.
Even though you pay more for an out-of-warranty battery replacement, it is still cheaper than the gasoline and maintenance costs of an internal combustion engine car. You also help to reduce atmospheric CO2 emissions. This is a win-win for most people.
