By Erik Watkins

Tesla Model 3 12V Battery Replacement Cost – Where To Buy?

Last updated: Apr 11, 2023
tesla model 3 battery replacement cost

The Tesla Model 3 is an innovative and popular electric car that has gained much attention in recent years. Still, as with any vehicle, its battery’s lifespan will eventually come to an end, and you will need to replace it. 

However, the Tesla 12V battery replacement Model 3 can be quite expensive. Learn more info in this article!

Why Tesla Battery Failure Occurs

Battery degradation is a common issue many people experience with their devices, including electric vehicles like Tesla. There are several reasons for battery failure, including overcharging, undercharging, sulfation, age, and extreme weather conditions.

Tesla Battery Warranty

Overcharging occurs when the battery is charged beyond its recommended capacity, resulting in a buildup of heat and causing the battery to swell or even explode. 

On the other hand, undercharging occurs when it is not charged fully, leading to sulfation, which is the buildup of lead sulfate on the battery’s electrodes, leading to reduced percent capacity and eventual failure.

Batteries also have a limited lifespan; as they age, their performance and original capacity decrease, leading to loss. High temperatures can also cause chemical reactions in the electric vehicle battery, leading to accelerated degradation and eventual failure.

Proper maintenance and care can help prolong a battery’s life and prevent premature failure. Regular charging and discharging cycles, avoiding extreme temperatures, and proper storage techniques can all help extend the life of a battery

Thus, checking its health and replacing it before it fails can prevent costly and inconvenient battery failure.

When You Need To Get Your Tesla Model 3 Battery Replaced

While electric car batteries are designed to last for a long time, there may come a time when you need to get your Tesla Model 3 battery module replaced. Here are the signs you need to pay attention to.

Tesla-Model-3-battery

Reduce Driving Range

The range of your Tesla Model 3 is one of its most significant features, making it so appealing to many drivers. If you notice that the maximum range is decreasing, it could be a sign that the battery is deteriorating. 

While it’s normal for the content to decrease slightly over time, a significant decrease could indicate that it’s time to change your dead battery.

Hold Charge Failure

When you’re having trouble charging your Tesla Model 3, it could be a sign of needing a battery swap. A failing battery may be unable to hold a single charge, or it may take longer to charge than usual. You may also notice that the charging speed has decreased significantly.

Tesla Notification

Suppose you see warning lights on your Tesla Model 3’s dashboard; it could be a sign of an issue with the battery. Warning lights such as the “Service Battery” or “Reduced Power” light could indicate that the battery needs to be replaced or serviced.

Tesla Model 3 Basic Battery Replacement And Repair Cost

The battery cost can be a significant expense for owners, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $16,000, depending on the model year, battery type, and drive unit warranty coverage.

Tesla offers two types of batteries for the Model 3: the Standard Range and the Long Range. The Standard Range battery has a range of around 150 miles, while the Long Range battery has a range of approximately 300 miles.

A replacement battery for the Standard Range Model 3 ranges from $5,000 to $7,000. Meanwhile, the Long Range battery can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $16,000.

The warranty coverage can also impact the average cost of a replacement battery. Tesla’s battery limited warranty covers the battery for 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

When the battery fails during the original warranty period, it will be replaced at no cost to the owner. That said, if it dies after the warranty period has expired, the owner will be responsible for the real cost of the replacement battery.

How Was Your Tesla 12V Battery Replacement Model 3 Done?

Replacing the battery involves a complex process that should be done by trained professionals. The battery pack is located underneath the car, and the process of replacing it consists in taking apart a significant amount of the vehicle.

First, the technician will remove the underbody panel and disconnect the wiring that connects the battery pack to the car. Then, they will remove the battery pack from the automobile and replace it with a new one.

After installation, the technician will reconnect the wiring and reassemble the car. The process can take several hours and requires specialized tools and expertise.

Can You Replace Tesla Battery At Home? How?

Yes, you can. But where to buy Tesla Model 3 12V battery? You can easily get it from any Tesla Service center or shop. Once you have it, here is how to change your battery.

  • Step 1: Turn off your vehicle and let some fresh air in by opening your windows and doors.
  • Step 2: Access the high voltage cord by opening the back seats and removing the black plastic cover. Disconnect the high voltage by pulling the thick black line with a silver attachment.
  • Step 3: Activate the hood. Pull off the black plastic cover nearest to the windshield once it is open.
  • Step 4: The passenger-side air vent can be removed once the plastic cover has been taken off.
  • Step 5: Start on the driver’s side and work to the passenger’s side as you remove the bolts holding the battery brackets in place.
  • Step 6: Remove the negative and positive terminals to prevent any sparking.
  • Step 7: Take out your outdated 12 V battery.
  • Step 8: Install the new battery.
  • Step 9: Put the brackets in place. The center bracket needs to be attached to secure the new battery once it has been installed.
  • Step 10: Attaching the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal, is the correct order to repeat the process.
  • Step 11: Reinstall the bolts on the battery’s passenger and driver sides.
  • Step 12: Reattach the plastic cover and air vent.
  • Step 13: Reattach the high-voltage connector.

What’s Involved In Replacing Or Maintaining A Tesla Battery?

Replacing or maintaining a Tesla battery is a complex process that involves many factors.

Size

It is often determined by the brand, model, and engine type of your car. It also depends on where the battery terminals are located. Each battery’s terminal arrangement varies significantly. It’s important to check that the replacement is the same battery size as the one you’re taking out.

Age

Batteries work best within six months of production. The date code on the vast majority of batteries, including the one in your present vehicle, will let you know this information. To interpret the date code when in doubt, contact the battery manufacturer.

Cold Cranking Amps

The CCA (shorts for Cold Cranking Amps) rating of a battery indicates how good its starting power is. A 12-volt battery’s rating is the maximum amount of amps it can produce for 30 seconds at 0 degrees Fahrenheit while holding 7.2 volts.

Reserve Capacity

The Reserve Capacity gives you a rough idea of how long your car’s battery can operate without the assistance of the alternator in the event of an alternator failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does A Tesla Model 3 Battery Life Last?

The Tesla Model 3 battery longevity is estimated between 300,000 to 500,000 miles, depending on the conditions in which it is used and how well it is maintained. Tesla offers an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the battery and drive unit, whichever comes first.

Will A Tesla Last 20 Years?

Yes. The company has claimed that its vehicles are built to last over 20 years or 1 million miles. Additionally, Tesla offers an eight-year unlimited mileage powertrain warranty for their automobiles.

Does Tesla Replace Batteries For Free?

No, Tesla does not replace batteries for free unless it is covered under the warranty or an extended service agreement. Tesla’s battery warranty typically covers a certain amount of mileage or years, whichever comes first, and any battery replacements outside of that warranty will be the responsibility of the owner to pay for.

Is There A Transferable Warranty For Tesla Batteries?

Yes. The standard battery warranty for a new Tesla Model 3 is eight years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, and it covers defects in material and quality. 

The warranty can be transferred to subsequent owners, so if you sell your Tesla before the expiry period, the new owner will still be covered under the same terms.

The Bottom Line

Changing the Tesla Model 3 battery pack is a significant investment, but it’s also essential for maintaining the car’s performance and longevity. Keep in mind the above signs and prepare the required budget for this change. 

A lithium-ion battery can provide years of reliable use and enjoyment on the road with proper maintenance and care.

Automotive Mechanic at PowerAll

With 7 years experience in management positions leading automotive mechanics at PowerAll, Erik Watkins wishes to share useful knowledge and information about automotive mechanical equipment.

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