A total loss (economically) of a combustion engine vehicle can generally be caused in two ways: a serious accident or engine failure. It was hoped that the latter could be avoided in the future with electric cars, since electric motors are significantly more robust and less complex.
That's basically correct, but electric cars haven't really solved the problem – they've essentially just postponed it: the crucial factor is no longer the motor, but the battery. If that breaks down, it gets really expensive.
Fortunately, it's not very often that a Tesla needs new batteries. Nevertheless, the topic of Tesla battery replacement is important. We'll explain what you need to know.
Tesla new battery: When is a replacement necessary?
Based on current knowledge, battery packs in modern electric cars last quite a while. It's no coincidence that Tesla (like many other manufacturers) typically offers an 8-year or well over 100,000-kilometer warranty on the battery. However, electric cars haven't been on the roads long enough to make any truly definitive statements.
The fact is that batteries lose capacity over time and below 70 Percent of the battery capacity is only partially usable – which could potentially necessitate a battery replacement. Therefore, the near future will primarily focus on early examples of the Model S, available since 2012, to determine how the batteries perform in real-world conditions and whether replacement batteries will become a pressing issue.
For most Tesla drivers, especially owners of a Model 3 or Model Y, age-related wear and tear is not yet a problem. In these cases, battery damage caused by external factors such as accidents or similar mishaps is more likely to necessitate a battery replacement.
Tesla battery price: It's getting expensive
The good news: In the event of accidents or similar incidents, insurance usually covers the costs. This is important because the costs of replacing a Tesla battery can justifiably be described as enormous. As various user reports, including those in [source missing], confirm. tff-Forum As shown, the total costs for battery and installation often amount to over 20,000 euros – depending on the model and battery condition.
Often, you don't receive a new battery, but a refurbished one where individual modules have been replaced. It's also important to note that you often have to pay the bill upfront at Tesla before you get reimbursed by your insurance company – at least if you want to take your car with you immediately after the repairs are completed. Until the money has reached the manufacturer, the service center simply holds the vehicle.
Tesla battery replacement costs: Cheaper than the alternatives
Despite the high price and effort involved, a battery replacement is usually the only option. Damaged high-voltage batteries are, quite literally, a dangerous time bomb. And anyone who uses their Tesla with a damaged battery usually loses their insurance coverage – so it's best to have the battery replaced while the insurance still pays and no one has been harmed.
If the battery is not damaged but old, it doesn't pose an immediate danger, but the reduced capacity may severely limit the usability of the vehicle, rendering it practically worthless. In this case, a Tesla battery replacement may also be necessary.
The best preventative measure is proper battery care through proper chargingThis includes, among other things, restricted use of Superchargers and the correct charging current.
