An EV battery replacement typically costs between $5,000 and $20,000+, varying significantly by vehicle model, battery size (kWh), and labor, with some luxury or large-pack models reaching over $60,000, though costs are expected to decrease as technology improves. For popular models like the Nissan Leaf or Hyundai Kona, expect $10,000–$15,000, while Teslas can range from $5,000 (Model 3) to $20,000 (Model S/X) before labor.
Most manufacturers have a five to eight-year warranty on their battery. However, the current prediction is that an electric car battery life will last from 10 – 20 years before they need to be replaced.
The battery pack is the main part of every electric vehicle (EV). It is important, but can also be very costly. The cost of battery replacement can change a lot, usually between $5,000 and $16,000.
EV Batteries Can Last the Life of the Vehicle
The data shows the average EV battery studied degraded by just 1.8 percent per year, which is an improvement from five years ago when the average degradation was 2.3 percent per year. The best-performing EVs in the new study degraded at just 1.0 percent per year.
The out-of-pocket cost to replace an electric car battery varies significantly based on different factors, like your vehicle make and model, and whether the EV battery is still under warranty. In general, the price to replace an EV battery no longer under warranty can run anywhere from $5,000 to about $20,000.
As EVs get older, the batteries progressively degrade. It is expected that at around 75% of the battery's original capacity, it has reached the end of its life in an EV. In reality what this means is that if the car was sold with 400 km driving range, at the end of its useful life it could be down to around 300 km.
Real-world examples from 2024-2025 show these ranges in action. A Tesla Model 3 Long Range battery replacement through Tesla costs approximately $13,000-$15,000 including labor, while third-party options like Greentec Auto offer refurbished packs for around $9,000 with warranties.
However, a recent AAA survey showed that EV interest in the United States is at its lowest point since 2019—the data showed that only 16 percent of Americans reported being “likely” or “very likely” to purchase an EV as their next car.
Rowan Atkinson, a self-proclaimed car enthusiast and early EV adopter, wrote a 2023 Guardian op-ed feeling "duped" by EV claims, arguing they aren't the environmental panacea they seem due to battery production pollution and ethical concerns over mining, suggesting keeping petrol cars longer might be better and calling EVs "soulless" despite their performance. His piece sparked criticism, with some blaming it for slowing UK EV adoption, while others defended his reasonable points about EV lifecycle impacts.
Average Costs in Australia
Replacement costs for BYD batteries in Australia usually fall between AUD 8,000 and AUD 15,000. This depends on the model and battery size, such as LFP or NMC packs. Labour costs might add around 10-20% to the total cost.
Are EV batteries typically covered by insurance? An electric car insurance policy may help cover the cost of battery repairs resulting from a collision or a different covered incident, such as a fire. However, repairs for routine wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns would not usually be covered by your insurance.
The bigger the battery the higher the cost, with a general rule of thumb stating a current figure of around £120 per kWh of battery, meaning a 75 kWh battery could cost around £9,000 to replace.
While we appreciate the DIY spirit, some things are best left to the professionals, and EV battery replacement is one of those things. First off, an EV battery can weigh anywhere between 500 and 1,000 lbs, which makes them a little ungainly to deal with.
Benefits of Buying a Used EV
EVs as a whole are much cheaper to maintain and have lower running costs because they don't need oil changes and have fewer moving parts. EVs are cheaper to run than their petrol or diesel powered equivalents - especially if you charge overnight with an EV specific energy tariff.
When an electric car battery's performance drops to 70% or less, its 'second life' revs into action. There's still residual life in the viable battery, so it can be hung in your garage or in the cupboard under the stairs as a static battery energy storage system, if you have a renewable energy source like solar panels.
EV batteries are designed to be used regularly, and long periods of inactivity can cause a gradual loss of charge, known as self-discharge. If the charge level drops too low, the battery could enter a deep discharge state, which can shorten its lifespan or, in some cases, cause irreversible damage.
Jeremy Clarkson's dismissal of electric cars ties directly into his long-standing role as one of the most outspoken defenders of traditional car culture. In the full quote he insisted, “I will never have an electric car. I can see that people like them and that they're interesting [but] I just like the sound of a V8.
By 2040, mostly all cars sold across the world will be electric, according to forecasting by investment bank UBS. However, a Thomson Reuters report cites that despite all new car sales being electric in 2040, half of the vehicles on the road will still be petrol or diesel powered.
Leasing an EV is often a "no-brainer" due to significant tax savings (especially with novated leases in Australia, leveraging FBT exemptions and pre-tax salary deductions for costs), lower running costs, bundled expenses (servicing, insurance), avoiding depreciation, and easier access to newer tech without the hassle of selling. This combination of financial incentives and convenience makes EVs more affordable and practical to drive, reducing the effective cost significantly compared to buying outright.
People are selling their Teslas due to backlash against CEO Elon Musk's politics and public stances, significant depreciation and high used prices compared to competitors, increased competition from other EV brands, and some dissatisfaction with Tesla's brand direction, leading to a mix of political alignment and financial considerations driving the trend.
The idea was abandoned partly because the company felt that it would be a bad look, and partly because of its focus on the iPhone.
China's BYD has overtaken Elon Musk's Tesla as the world's biggest seller of electric vehicles (EVs), marking the first time it has outpaced its American rival in annual sales.
No, $300 is not necessarily too much for a car battery, especially for premium AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries, luxury vehicles, or cars with start-stop systems, though standard lead-acid batteries often cost less ($100-$200); a $300 price point typically indicates a high-capacity, long-lasting, or specialized battery, which can be a worthwhile investment for reliability and performance.
How much does a Tesla model cost? A Tesla can be priced as low as $42,490 or as high as $125,490 in 2025, depending on the model and added features. The cheapest Tesla model is the base Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, starting at $42,490. This is less than the average cost of an electric car, which is about $55,000.
The Other Battery in Your Tesla
Just as old-fashioned metal keys were replaced by electronic key fobs, key cards, and smartphone/app-based entry tools in most modern cars, if your Tesla's 12-volt battery dies, you won't be able to unlock a Tesla, open its doors, liftgate, or frunk using its key fob, or mobile app.