An original Tesla battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, (whichever comes first) by the Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty.
- The mileage limit for warranty coverage depends on your Tesla model.
- Used EVs from Tesla may be covered under warranty for the original duration.
- Tesla batteries should last well over 20 years with proper care.
- For the best results, get a battery replacement at a Tesla service center.
Tesla battery warranty
Warranty terms: 8 years / 100k-150k miles, whichever comes first depending on model
The battery of every new Tesla is protected by the Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty which is included in the standard New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Tesla warranty coverage means that, as long as your Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty period is still active, your original battery will be repaired or replaced for free if it is defective—note that defects are different from damage due to normal use.
Now, the exact number of miles a battery is covered will vary depending on the specific Tesla model you have. Here’s a table with more info.
| Tesla Model | Battery warranty period |
|---|---|
| Model S | 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| Model x | 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive | 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| Model 3 Long Range | 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| Model 3 Performance | 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| Model Y Long Range | 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| Model Y Performance | 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first |
Tesla batteries are estimated to last 300,000 to 500,000 miles
Tesla CEO and co-founder Elon Musk claims that the average Tesla battery can be expected to last between 22 and 37 years or 300,000 to 500,000 miles. Since the oldest Teslas have only been on the road since 2008, there isn’t any hard data to support his claim yet.
Signs your Tesla battery needs to be replaced
Just because your battery is not powering your car properly doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new one—the battery may just be dead! In this case, you can simply jump-start it.
Here are key signs that your Tesla battery might need to be completely replaced:
- The battery light is on: There is a warning light that will appear on your touchscreen specifically to notify you that there is an issue with your battery. If you see this light come on, it might be time for a replacement.
- No power to lights and horn: If your battery is on its last legs or has low battery capacity, you’ll notice that it is struggling or failing to provide power to the electrical systems in your car such as the lights and the horn.
- Engine cranks without starting: Without adequate power from the battery, your car cannot start. If your car struggles or fails to start, you might be dealing with a defective battery.
- Swollen battery case: If you notice that your battery is swollen, you should call for towing immediately. This is a major safety concern as swollen batteries can explode. You should not drive a car with a swollen battery for any reason.
- Leaking battery: This is an obvious sign that there is a serious issue with your battery. It will need to be replaced ASAP.
How to extend the lifespan of a Tesla battery
Extend the life of your Tesla battery by following these simple guidelines:
- Avoid frequent short trips: Your battery recharges while you’re driving. Short trips drain the battery without giving it adequate time to recharge.
- Don’t leave your car unused for long periods: If your car sits for too long, it will struggle to hold a charge.
- Double-check that your lights are off: Always make sure everything is off and nothing is draining your battery before you get out.
- Scrub your battery terminals: Prevent corrosion from accumulating by scrubbing your battery terminals with a toothbrush and baking soda.
- Steer clear of extreme heat: Minimize your car’s exposure to extreme temperatures, especially heat.
The Tesla battery warranty covers car car repair costs during the warranty period, which is quite generous for electric vehicles.
While there are some exclusions (like normal wear and recall advisories), your electric car may still benefit from an extended warranty or the Tesla extended service agreement for peace of mind—just see if roadside assistance is already offered under your existing warranty agreement.
Ultimately, Tesla vehicles are great cars that can last a long time with proper maintenance.
Patrick Price is an insurance writer with a background in creative writing. Patrick brings a passion for building general vehicle knowledge to his mission of creating content that saves car owners time and money on car expenses. Patrick has written over 1,000 articles for Jerry, including on topics such as how to find the best mechanic in your city to where to find EV charging stations. Prior to joining Jerry, Patrick pursued his MFA in creative writing from Augustana College and worked as a writer and editor for Floodmark Magazine and Saga Magazine.
Melanie Reiff is an expert insurance writer and editor with over half a decade of experience in professional writing. Guided by a lifelong love of storytelling, it’s Melanie’s mission to help people problemsolve by means of creative and engaging content. Melanie specializes in analyzing the ways in which society, technology, and culture intersect, previously working with clients in travel, technology, and social impact to tell their stories.
As an editorial team lead at Jerry, Melanie has translated her prior experience into creating and editing insurance content that can help drivers and homeowners find the solutions they need and make informed moves.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, Melanie worked as a freelance content marketing strategist and was the full-time director of choir at Rampart High School Acadamy in Colorado Springs.
