Tesla Model 3 12V Battery Replacement

A Tesla Model 3 12V battery replacement won’t cost anything if it's covered under warranty, or it will cost $15,800 for parts and labor.
Written by Talullah Blanco
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
background
If the battery replacement isn’t covered under your
Tesla
battery warranty, the total cost to replace a Tesla Model 3 12V battery is around $15,800 for parts and labor.
When the Model 3 generation was first introduced in 2017 as Tesla’s entry-level offering, it was a top pick among drivers with its impressive range, performance and handling all at a relatively affordable price point. However, even the industry-leading electrical vehicle batteries need to be maintained and even replaced from time to time.
If your Tesla Model 3 12V battery needs to be replaced and you’re wondering if it’ll break the bank, you’ve come to the right place. 
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

How much does it cost to replace a Tesla Model 3 battery?

The cost to replace a Tesla Model 3 battery is around $15,800.
While auto repairs vary depending on the price of parts and labor, the Tesla Model 3 battery replacement cost is fairly straightforward. The Model 3 uses a 75-kWh battery pack with a driving range between 272 and 250 miles depending on the trim level which costs $13,500. And with labor costs averaging at about $2,300, the total replacement cost comes out to a whopping $15,800.
Luckily, Tesla’s battery warranty covers your new Model 3 for eight years or 100,000 miles—whichever comes first! The caveat? The warranty covers the repair or replacement of manufacturing defects that occurred under normal use or if it loses more than 30% of its initial capacity while under warranty. 
You won’t have to pay a dime for your Model 3 battery replacement if it’s covered by Tesla’s battery warranty. However, if your battery replacement is not covered under warranty and auto insurance won’t cover repairs, you’ll be paying out of pocket for your battery replacement.

Can you put a new battery in an old Tesla Model 3?

Until 2022, Model 3 generations came equipped with a lead-acid battery rather than the maintenance-free 12-volt lithium-ion battery that boasts a longer lifespan. Tesla owners can install an upgraded Model 3 battery pack in your older generation but the upgrade would be limited to a 90-kWh pack due to weight limits. 
While this upgrade is possible, it could cost you depending on whether you opt for a remanufactured battery pack or a brand-new one. Remanufactured batteries with reconditioned cells in them cost between $9,000 and $10,000 but a brand-new battery pack could cost up to $22,500. Add the $2,300 in labor costs, and you’ll be looking at spending up to $24,800 on a brand-new battery replacement–—that’s about half of the Model 3 MSRP.
The choice is yours. Opting for a remanufactured battery replacement will be the more affordable route, but a brand-new Tesla battery may be worth the extended driving range and lifespan.

Tesla Model 3 12V battery capacity and range 

Curious about how your 2011 Nissan Leaf battery compares to later models? The table below compares battery capacity and
driving range
for different Nissan Leaf models. 
Model years
Battery capacity
Driving range
2017, 2019
50 to 75 kWh
220 to 310 miles
2018
50 to 75 kWh
260 to 310 miles
2020
50 to 75 kWh
220 to 353 miles
2021
50 to 82 kWh
272 to 358 miles
2022
50 to 82 kWh
267 to 358 miles
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged

How long does a Tesla Model 3 12V battery last?

Tesla says the Tesla Model 3 12V battery lasts between 300,000 miles to 500,000 miles or 1,500 cycles—that comes out to 22 to 37 years for the average driver. 
Even with a life expectancy like that, there are ways you can make your Model 3 battery last even longer including:
  • Maintain a daily charging routine and skip the fast charger. Use a low-voltage charger connected to your home daily and only use the DC fast charging stations when absolutely necessary. 
  • Avoid extreme temperatures. Heat contributes to battery degradation and cold weather limits drive range. Either way, you’ll want to keep your Model 3 at a mild temperature if you live in hot or cold states. 
  • Charge to the appropriate charge limit. Each Tesla has a recommended charge limit based on the installed battery. Keeping the appropriate charge limit for your battery will extend its lifespan. 
Jerry
is an amazing app. Thanks to it, I saved a lot of money for my Tesla Model 3’s insurance. I’m so glad I downloaded the app!” —Erza S.
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
Try GarageGuard™

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings