A new car battery for a traditional internal combustion engine typically costs about $75–$200, while a new battery for a hybrid or electric car may cost as much as $20,000.
What affects the cost of a car battery?
A number of factors impact the price of a traditional car battery:
- Battery size: Car batteries come in a variety of sizes—the most common include 24, 65, and 75—and larger batteries usually cost more than smaller ones. Trucks, SUVs, and cars with high-performance engines may need a bigger reserve capacity (RC).
- Battery type: The three main car battery types are wet cell (or lead-acid flooded), dry cell (or absorbent glass mat), and gel. Wet cell batteries typically cost less, but dry cell and gel batteries last longer and perform better in tough conditions, like cold weather.
- Cold-cranking amps (CCA): If you live somewhere with very cold winters, you’ll need a battery with a higher cold-cranking amps (CCA) rating. This measures how many amps the battery can deliver for 30 seconds when it’s 0°F outside. Batteries with a higher CCA rating tend to cost more.
- Warranty: You may pay more for a battery with a longer warranty, but you could end up saving money if the battery is still under warranty when you need to replace it.
- Where you buy: Buying a new car battery directly from the dealership often costs more than buying one from an auto parts store.
- Installation cost: Dealerships or roadside assistance services usually charge a fee to install a car battery. On the other hand, if you buy your battery at an auto parts store, you may get it installed for free. You can also install a car battery yourself.
Shop smart:You may be able to save by purchasing a refurbished car battery—but keep in mind that refurbished batteries may not last as long as new ones.
How much does it cost to replace an EV battery?
If you have a hybrid or electric car, and your battery warranty has expired, a replacement can cost from around $2,500 to more than $20,000. However, EV batteries usually last 10 to 20 years—and, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average lifespan of a car in the United States is around 12.5 years—so few people ever need to buy one.
According to data from EV insights company Recurrent, only 2.5% of electric vehicles have needed a replacement battery.
If your EV battery does wear out, keep in mind that it may be under warranty. Many EV batteries have warranties lasting 8–10 years.
How long do car batteries usually last?
Traditional car batteries can last as long as six or seven years, but many need to be replaced every three or four years. You’re putting more stress on your battery if:
- You live somewhere with high humidity or extreme temperatures.
- You drive on rough roads, which can loosen battery connections.
- Your car has a lot of electrical accessories.
- You frequently use your vehicle to tow heavy loads.
- You often jumpstart your car.
How do I know if my battery needs to be replaced?
If you notice any of the following signs, your vehicle might need a new battery:
- The engine cranks sluggishly.
- The “Check Battery” or “Check Engine” lights are on.
- You see fluid leaking from the battery or smell rotten eggs (an indication the battery is leaking).
- The battery posts are corroded.
- The battery case swells or bulges.
- The battery fluid is low.
Need to know:Symptoms of a failing alternator can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a bad battery. If your car dies, try to jump start it. If the car continues running after the jumper cables are removed, the problem is probably your battery—if the car stalls, the alternator may be the issue.
Can I change a car battery myself?
If you’re even a little comfortable working under the hood of your car, you can probably change a car battery by yourself. But first, consult your owner’s manual for information on the right replacement battery for your car, and check out a few guides or videos to be sure you do everything in the right order.
However, if your battery is hard to remove—if it’s especially corroded, or the clamps that hold the battery in place are hard to reach—or if you’re just not confident that you can do it on your own, it doesn’t cost much to have a battery installed professionally. In fact, if you buy your battery from some auto parts stores, they’ll install it for you for free.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Alice Holbrook is an editor with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, including car insurance. She\’s passionate about creating easy-to-understand content that demystifies intimidating topics for readers. Previously, she worked for NerdWallet, and her work has been featured by Newsweek, The Washington Post and the Associated Press, among others.
