My Tesla Model 3 Low-Voltage Battery Is Dead. Here’s the Cost

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After 108,000 miles the time has finally come. My battery has been replaced in my Tesla Model 3, but before we get into the details and total cost let’s talk about this "problem" of batteries needing to be replaced on electric vehicles and the expected high cost of replacement. You won’t believe the amount of comments I get on my Tesla videos from people who love their gas cars that always say something like “Your Tesla battery will not last 10 years and it will cost you $20,000 to get it replaced”. Let’s look at Tesla’s current battery warranty information because this gives us an idea of what sort of life we can expect from the battery. For my long range 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. That means if my battery capacity drops below 70% any time before the warranty expires, Tesla will replace the battery for free. My Model 3 came with an estimated range of 310 miles so technically the range could fall to 217 miles which is 70% of the original capacity, and that would be considered “normal” and would not qualify for a battery replacement at the time of warranty expiration. Luckily my battery has had nowhere near that bad of degradation after four and a half years and over 100,000 miles. The most recent estimated range on my Model 3 showed 295 miles. That comes to about 95% battery capacity which is really good.

Tesla claims their vehicles can retain 90% of their battery capacity even 200,000 miles in. A research firm based in the UK has also backed up that claim after studying over 500 Tesla vehicles, with those at the 150,000-mile mark retaining 90% battery capacity and those over 200,000 still holding about 80% capacity. My experience seems to be on par with that, with my Model 3 battery still at 95% after nearly 5 years & 110,000 miles. A Model 3 battery replacement does not cost $20,000. Based on reports it costs somewhere around $15,000 but that’s only necessary if the battery is no longer covered under the warranty (which most of the very first Model 3 vehicles if driven the average miles per year will still have an active battery warranty in 2025 & 2026). At that point batteries should be even cheaper than today because lithium ion battery pack prices were above $1,200/kWh in 2010, and they have fallen 89% in real terms to $132/kWh in 2021, with the goal to reach a price of less than $100/kWh. Needless to say, I don’t foresee me having to get my Tesla Model 3’s high voltage battery replaced any time soon, if at all during my lifetime ownership of the car.

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[iCozzh]

Have u just clickbaited us to replace a 12v battery ( only a few mins in)🤣 if so well played sir

[rmkep]

You are one of the few high mileage owners on youtube and 108, 000 miles and 95% battery capacity seems pretty damn good to me.

1.What is your charging regime ie, do you charge to <80% most of the time?
2. What is average state of charge when recharging (how low do you go)?

Stuff like that would be good info to put out to subscribers.

[evanharris]

You scared me. The whole way home, I was thinking that I should sell my car. Glad it was only the 12 volt battery. They only last two years in Arizona, so I upgraded to a lithium battery when mine died.

[glennminteer]

Thanks Andy. My Low-Voltage battery in my long-range Model 3 had the same warning message after 3 years and 9 months and Tesla Service replaced the battery for free. Thank you Tesla Service!

[Kevo]

Knew instantly that it was the LV battery from the title lol. Same thing happened to me and had it replaced for free. Had them check the HV one too while they were at it and found that it had 99% capacity

[anthonyj.dacquistojr.]

Thank you for the real information on this number one lie. I am very grateful someone is willing to give me the truth. I just wish that I could afford one. But I am still very grateful for you telling us the truth. Thank you, Anthony

[Berretotube]

Andy, I'd literally just finished watching your video from two years ago (in which you discuss how to maximise the life of your main battery pack), then go this notification - was a bit of a shock!!! But just your 12V battery dying - phew!!!

[Cnderfire]

I read the actual battery can last over 20 years but when it needs to be replaced its like $13, 000 to $20, 000 depending on your vehicle model

[BboySnake]

My 12v battery died last week, 90k miles. No warning though. Accessed battery using "bumper wires" and portable jump unit. Used same jump unit on 12v battery cables and High Voltage battery powered up. Then drove car as normal, driving to my local service center to buy new 12v. Only $85 to my surprise.

[irfanhusein]

That’s a very reasonable price for mobile battery replacement service.

[comeaujo]

I recently learned that to replace the 85kWh pack in our out of warranty 2013 Model S with a 90 kWh pack would cost $23, 450 or around $26K (Canadian) all-in with taxes. And it would come with a 4-year 80, 000 km (50, 000 mile warranty). And we would get more range! Not that our pack needs replacement it is still going strong at 95% it's original capacity and our S still looks and drives like new. But if it did die, where else could I get another EV for 26K in this economy with a 4-year warranty, not to mention one we love that still includes free unlimited Supercharging? I would seriously consider it.

[pradyotrai]

Happened to my Model X as well and Tesla replaced it without delay, with $200. I feel Teslas are forever, like diamond 😂

[inside_lense]

Hahaha, given me heart attack for a second😂

[songckim]

You got me, Andy. I thought it was your high voltage battery, and was really curious to see whether Tesla would cover it under warranty with the mileage slightly over 100k.

[aloveone]

Mine died too, it was under warranty so they paid for it to be installed. They did a good job.

[jacksonbangs]

My used 2015 Nissan Leaf is still on its original lithium ion traction battery. There are still 10 of the original 12 bars of battery capacity remaining.

[ericv.]

You had me going there for awhile. 😆 I also have a 2018 Model 3 LR with about 60K miles and the battery still has over 300 miles of range. I would also think that if your main battery needs to be replaced after the warranty there should be a large credit received for recycling the old battery since over 90% of the materials can be recycled into material to make new batteries.

[mikelewis]

Relevant bits start at 3:36 - Cost $110 - Mobile service repaired

[PrinceSimba]

Than you for this information ive had mine for 3 years with no where near as many miles as u but now i know if i start getting battery issues its probably that and i dont have to freak out :)

[bvzweig]

One of my favorite things about Tesla is their consistent improvements to make vehicles better. I'm waiting to get my new Model Y in a few months, and I know there will be some big changes from even 6 or 12 months ago.