How much does it cost to replace EV car batteries

How Much Does An Electric Car Battery Replacement Cost?

There are a lot of ways that electric cars can help you save money. Most importantly, you dont have to spend money on gasoline or diesel fuel ever again, but that doesnt negate the costs that you face for maintenance and repairs. One big concern is the price of EV batteries. So, how much does an electric car battery replacement cost?

In this guide, we cover the factors that affect EV battery replacement costs. We also look at some of the most popular EVs to give you a better idea of what you might spend.

At the end of this article, we give you some tips to prevent EV battery replacement and discuss whether you should replace the battery yourself to save money.

How Much Does An Electric Car Battery Replacement Cost?

A new electric car battery replacement can cost anywhere between $4,000 and $20,000, depending on the type of electric car you drive and the labor rate. However, you can find refurbished batteries for much less, even as low as $2,000, if theres one available for your vehicle.

There are many factors that affect the cost of EV battery replacement, so lets start with a quick look at those factors.

Factors Affecting Electric Car Battery Replacement Cost

1. Vehicle You Drive

As you will see in a moment, the price is dramatically different based on what vehicle you drive. You can replace the battery on a Chevy Volt for far less than you would spend with your Tesla.

However, just because the cost is lower doesnt make it a better deal. Depending on how long the battery lasts, you could actually spend less per kWh for one that lasts several more years.

2. Battery Materials

Most electric cars use lithium-ion batteries, but the amount of cells in each varies. They arent a single unit but can contain hundreds of cells. The more cells are included, the more capacity the battery has. We will talk more about the capacity in one second.

For this reason, electric car batteries dont have the same cost as a hybrid battery. In hybrid cars, the majority of the batteries are constructed from nickel-metal hydride instead.

3. Battery Capacity

Think first about a standard car battery. You pay more for larger car batteries than you would a smaller unit for a compact car. The same can be said about an EV battery.

If the electric car battery has a lot of cells, its going to have a larger capacity. This higher capacity design ensures a longer driving range, but it also means you will spend more for a replacement.

4. Warranty Protection

If your electric car battery fails prematurely, you can have the replacement covered by the warranty. Across the country, manufacturers are mandated by the federal government to supply a minimum of eight years and 100,000 miles of warranty protection.

If you buy an EV in California, the benefits are even greater. All EV and hybrid batteries must be covered for ten years and 150,000 miles.

RELATED: The Hidden Costs of Owning an Electric Car

Average EV Car Battery Replacement Cost by Model

To better understand the average replacement cost of electric car batteries, lets take a quick look at the average replacement cost of some popular electric car models.

1. BMW i3

Originally, the BMW i3 battery had a capacity of 22 kWh. You can purchase a new battery for around $16,000, which works out to about $727 per kWh.

However, there are also options to find these batteries on eBay. We found one selling for $3,300, listed as like-new. In this case, you would be paying $150 per kWh.

2. Chevy Bolt

Chevy Bolt EV battery replacements were quoted at about $16,250, with an additional $800 or so for labor. Because these batteries are 60 kWh, you are paying around $285 per kWh.

However, there has been a massive Chevy Bolt EV battery recall. Because of a defect, consumers can get a new battery for free, making it much more affordable to get a replacement.

3. Chevy Volt

If you are looking for a 16 kWh battery, you may spend about $4,000, which works out to around $240 per kWh. On the other hand, a 17.1 kWh battery might cost $6,000, which is closer to $350 per kWh.

If you want to save some money, you might be able to find a used battery on eBay for around $2,500 instead. That would put the per kWh cost at about $147 instead.

4. Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Mustang Mach-E is a newer model, so battery replacement isnt something most people are thinking about right now, which is good because its expensive. Even though these prices are high now, they will likely come down before any are actually needed.

In the meantime, Ford has a low-range battery (66 kWh) priced at $17,588 with a labor cost of $1,200. That equates to $285 per kWh. Theres also an 88 kWh battery listed for $25,319. Without labor, that means you would spend $288 per kWh.

5. Nissan Leaf

In 2020, the cost listed to replace a 24 kWh Leaf battery was $5,500. When this is broken down, you are spending about $229 per kWh.

If you are looking for a 40 kWh battery, you might spend a little more, around $6,000. Still, this breaks down to just $150 per kWh. Over the years, the price of these batteries has dropped dramatically. Just a decade ago, you could easily spend $10,000 or more.

6. Tesla Model 3

Once you get to the Tesla models, you are looking at a much higher battery replacement cost. Reports from 2020 reveal that a remanufactured battery for the Model 3 with a 75 kWh rating could cost $13,500 for the part and another $2,300 for the replacement. Thats $210 per kWh.

Again, these prices have come down significantly. Just a few years ago, they would have been even more, if you can believe it.

READ MORE: How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Tesla Battery?

7. Tesla Model S

Its not unusual to spend between $11,000 and $16,000 on a battery replacement for the Model S. With the 100 kWh battery, that cost can range anywhere from $110 to $160 per kWh.

However, a few years ago, owners were spending far more. In 2014, there were multiple reports of people spending $20,000 to $22,000 to have the batteries replaced.

READ MORE: How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Battery? (12 volt)

How to Avoid EV Battery Replacement

Considering the overwhelming cost of EV battery replacement, it makes sense to take every step possible to avoid it in the first place. We have a few tips that will keep your battery in its best condition, thereby prolonging the need for a replacement.

1. Avoid extremes. You dont want the battery levels going too low or too high.
2. Dont rely on DC Fast Charging. Its best to only use the fast charging stations when absolutely necessary.
3. Its best to charge the EV battery in smaller batches more frequently. You should avoid infrequently charging at larger capacities.
4. Before you charge the EV battery, try to ensure it is at room temperature. If you can charge in your garage, thats even better.
5. Keep the battery cooler during the summer months. Park in a garage or in the shade.
6. Avoid using more battery power than needed. The EV battery drains quickly when using air conditioning, heat and other accessories.
7. Be mindful of how you drive. If you can accelerate slower and avoid excessive speeds, the battery will last longer.
8. Swap out the tires for a more-efficient set. Make sure they are appropriate for the season and road conditions.

Aside from the tips weve given, the manufacturer probably offers even more advice. Check your owners manual and follow any recommendations given to make the battery last longer.

READ MORE: How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?

Should You Replace an EV Battery at Home?

If you are mechanically inclined and have changed a multitude of car batteries in the past, you may think this is a task you can tackle. However, without the right training and specialized equipment, its not advised to change an EV battery at home. You must understand how electric cars work and be able to diagnose the systems effectively.

Its also more difficult to find the schematics you will need to ensure everything is connected properly. One small mistake can fry the electrical system and you dont want to deal with that.

Theres also the aspect of physical danger. Because you are working with high voltage, its possible to get injured or even killed, which is why only trained professionals should replace EV batteries.

Considering how much money you will spend on a replacement EV battery, it doesnt make sense to take risks with it. The labor for installation isnt all that much more in the greater scheme of things, so leave this job to the experienced techs.

Is it worth it to replace the battery in an electric car?

Whether it is worth changing the battery in an electric car or not depends on how much your car is worth. The replacement cost for EV batteries can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000, so if your car isnt worth that much money, it might not be worth it.

What happens if my electric car runs out of battery in the middle of nowhere?

If you are driving your electric car and it runs out of battery, it will stop completely, and you will have to call roadside assistance. Usually there is no other option than towing it to the nearest charging station. In some places, however, you can also find mobile charging stations.

How many batteries are in an electric car?

Electric cars usually have two different batteries. One for the 12 volt system and one large lithium battery for the high voltage system. However, a high-voltage lithium battery can consist of 2,000 plus individual lithium-ion cells

Replacing an electric car battery can cost you between $4,000 and $20,000, or even more depending on the car model. In the end, the cost of replacing an electric car battery can be very expensive and if you are not careful or prepared, it can cost you a lot of unexpected money.

Fortunately, many car manufacturers offer generous warranties for the EV battery and it will be replaced free of charge if it fails before the warranty period expires.

There are also various government incentives available to help with the cost of upgrading to an electric car. So if youre thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle, be sure to do your research and find out what benefits may be available to you.

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Categories: Electric Vehicles, Estimator

Cost to Replace an EV Battery

EV Battery Replacement Cost

Battery technology is changing at an astounding rate. The cost of batteries is going down and expected to continue to drop. Plus, EV battery packs have a warranty from the automaker of eight years or 100,000 miles. Add to that the fact that todays batteries are built to last longer than the cars they serve. Chances are that you will sell your EV for another zero-emission vehicle long before you need to replace the battery.

But thats not the question, is it? The question on the table today is, what would it cost to replace the battery pack in your EV? Lets find out.

The Cost to Replace an EVBattery

Depending on the EV you drive, replacing the battery pack could be free if your car is still under warranty, or it could cost up to $20,000 depending on the make and model of car. It could also cost as little as $2,500 to replace the battery.

The batteries used in hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius are smaller and less expensive to replace than the big heavy battery packs found in vehicles such as the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck or Tesla Model S. For instance, replacing the battery in a Prius might only cost you $2,700 while replacing the battery pack in that Tesla could set you back up to $20,000.

As of this writing, battery replacements are fairly rare and there isnt much information out there on costs to replace EV batteries. So, consider that the cost of batteries will continue to drop as more people purchase EVs. The price you would pay today will be more than it would be if you replaced the battery ten years from now when it is showing signs of age through battery degradation.

The Department of Energys Vehicle Technologies Office estimates the cost of electric vehicle lithium-ion battery packs have declined 89 percent between 2008 and 2022, using 2022 constant dollars. A recent report by McKinsey & Company suggests that EV batteries could drop a further 70 percent in price by 2025. According to this study, the price of lithium-ion EV battery packs could fall from $500-$600 per kilowatt hour today to around $160 by 2025 due to a rise in EV sales and a drop in component prices.

Also keep in mind that EV manufacturers are turning to solid-state battery packs which are less expensive, last longer, and are capable of taking consumers over 500 miles on a charge.

EVBattery Replacement Costs: Third-Party Batteries

So far, we have only talked about the replacement battery cost through the manufacturer. But third-party batteries could cost less. Companies such as hybrid2go and evsenhanced.com offer full-service battery replacement with lifetime warranties.

What would it cost to replace the battery in a few of Americas favorite all-electric cars, the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt? As of this writing, the battery would cost approximately $6,200 for the Leaf and $16,000 for the Bolt. The popular BMW i3s replacement battery runs around $13,500. However, you can find replacement batteries for both the Bolt and the i3 on eBay for as little as $2,500.

The vehicles that offer the most range, and therefore have the largest battery packs, obviously cost more to replace. The Tesla Model 3 will take you over 300 miles on a charge and the replacement battery costs around $16,000. Labor costs to replace that Tesla battery will run you an additional $2,300. Thats because swapping out the battery pack on most electric cars is a complicated task, similar to replacing the engine in a gasoline-powered car.

While the physical labor only takes a day or so, getting the replacement battery can take weeks. Also keep in mind that not all battery replacements mean that you need to replace the entire battery pack, Sometimes the mechanic can just replace the defective cells to save you time and money.