After 108,000 miles, my Tesla Model 3 encountered multiple alert notifications and errors indicating the need for immediate service. The service has been completed, and my battery has been replaced. Now, let’s address the misconception regarding electric vehicle battery replacement costs.
Many individuals skeptical of electric vehicles often claim that Tesla batteries won’t last 10 years and will cost a substantial amount to replace. However, let’s examine the facts about Tesla’s battery warranty to shed light on this matter.
Tesla’s current battery warranty for the long-range Model 3 covers a period of 8 years or 120,000 miles, with a minimum 70% retention of battery capacity over the warranty period. If the battery capacity falls below 70% before the warranty expires, Tesla will replace the entire battery for free. In my case, with over 100,000 miles, my battery has retained approximately 95% capacity, indicating good performance.
Contrary to popular belief, the recent battery replacement I underwent was not for the main high voltage battery pack but for the smaller 12-volt battery. While the replacement was swift and the total cost amounted to $110, it is essential to highlight the significance of the low voltage battery in powering vital electronics in the vehicle.
Addressing the cost misconceptions, reports suggest that a Model 3 battery replacement costs around $15,000, much lower than the exaggerated $20,000. Furthermore, Tesla claims their vehicles can retain 90% of their battery capacity even after 200,000 miles. Research from a UK-based firm supports this, with over 500 Tesla vehicles at the 150,000 mile mark retaining 90% battery capacity.
Looking to the future, as lithium-ion battery pack prices continue to decrease, the cost of battery replacement is expected to reduce further. The goal is to reach a price of less than $100 per kilowatt hour, making battery replacement more affordable.
In conclusion, with my Tesla Model 3’s battery still at 95% after nearly 5 years and almost 110,000 miles, and considering the evolving battery technology and decreasing costs, the concerns about battery life and replacement costs appear to be unfounded myths.
At the end of the day, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction when it comes to electric vehicle battery longevity and replacement costs. The advancements in battery technology and Tesla’s warranty coverage provide confidence in the durability and affordability of electric vehicle ownership.
If you have any thoughts on this topic, feel free to share them in the comments below. Thank you for reading.
What is the expected life of a Tesla battery?
For the long range Tesla Model 3, the battery and drive unit come with a limited warranty covering a period of 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, with a minimum 70% retention of battery capacity over the warranty period.
What happens if the battery capacity drops below 70% before the warranty expires?
If the battery capacity drops below 70% before the warranty expires, Tesla will replace the entire battery for free.
What is the cost of replacing the low voltage battery in a Tesla Model 3?
The total cost of replacing the low voltage battery in a Tesla Model 3 was $110.
What is the expected lifespan of a Tesla high voltage battery?
Tesla claims their vehicles can retain 90% of their battery capacity even at 200,000 miles, and a research firm in the UK has backed up that claim, with Tesla vehicles at the 150,000 mile mark retaining 90% battery capacity, and those over 200,000 miles still holding about 80% capacity.
What is the expected cost of a Tesla Model 3 battery replacement outside of the warranty period?
Based on reports, a Tesla Model 3 battery replacement costs around $15,000 outside of the warranty period, but most of the very first Model 3 vehicles will still have an active battery warranty in 2025 and 2026.
What is the expected trend in lithium-ion battery pack prices?
Lithium-ion battery pack prices have fallen 89% in real terms, and the goal is to soon reach a price of less than $100 per kilowatt hour.