Car Battery Replacement Cost: 2023 Price Comparison. Auto battery rate

How Much Does a Car Battery Cost?

Some factors impacting car battery price are the type of battery purchased and the make and model of the car. You should expect to pay between 100 and 150 for a standard car battery, and between 175 and 450 for a premium battery. Premium batteries are often designed to perform better in cold climates, and these car batteries will usually have a more extended warranty.

Factors Impacting the Cost of a Car Battery

Type of Vehicle

If you use luxury vehicles, you should expect to pay more for your car battery replacement price, especially if the car is newer. In most cases, you should expect to pay 150 to 350, though this amount may or may not include installation fees.

Size of Vehicle

A bigger engine usually needs bigger car batteries. For instance, the car battery for a compact car will generally be less expensive than the battery for a large truck or a vehicle with a larger engine.

The size of your battery directly correlates to the amp-hour rating, which means a larger battery usually supplies the vehicle with more amps of electrical current each hour. For a bigger battery, you’ll have to pay for the larger amount of material used in the manufacturing process, which increases your price.

The most common sizes for batteries are 24, 75 and 65. In most cases, the costs of these three sizes are 40 to 90, though this varies by the type of warranty and by the battery’s brand.

Battery Age

Most batteries will last about 3 to 4 years. If you’ve had your battery that long, chances are it’s time to replace it. In many cases, the battery for an older car will cost less than the battery for newer vehicles.

Some people carry emergency cables in their cars. These cables are used as a starter kit in case the battery fails, and the old battery needs a boost. Most emergency kits will range from 30 to several hundred dollars.

Amount of Volts

An expensive luxury vehicle typically requires a particular type of battery. Racing cars often need high-performance batteries. A big diesel engine or a V8 in a truck requires more current to start the engine, and thus it also requires a more expensive battery. Therefore, if you drive a luxury car, a car that requires a lot of voltage or a large truck, your new car battery cost will be more expensive.

Car Battery Costs by Car Manufacturer

Some manufacturers use the best materials and therefore create high-quality batteries. These batteries last longer and produce a greater, stable current. These are among the most expensive batteries, and they can cost between 225 and 450.

However, most drivers choose less-expensive batteries. The most commonly used brands are about 100 to 150.

Car Battery Costs for Popular Cars

Below are a list of popular cars and the average price of each of their batteries.

Price Estimates for Different Types of Cars

Hatchback car battery generally fall within the normal range of car battery prices. Expect to pay 90 to 200 for a battery. If you have a smaller hatchback, you could probably get a good battery for under 110.

Expect to pay within the average price range for a sedan car battery. In most cases, you could get one for 100 – 250, unless you choose a high-tech battery.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) batteries can range in price from 180 to 300. Super heavy-duty batteries for these vehicles might cost up to 500.

Many electric vehicles are more expensive than traditional gas-powered vehicles. The batteries for electric cars are also costly, with the starting price of a lithium-ion battery at 1,000. However, the average electric car battery cost has been steadily decreasing in the past several years. It is also projected that the price will continue to fall.

Toyota 1.6 litre car engine. | Source: Archies Service Centre

Warning Signs That You Need to Change Your Car Battery

In most cases, you should replace the car’s battery every 3 – 4 years and get a battery test every once in a while. One typical warning sign for car battery replacement is that the engine is slow to start. Your vehicle might also have a battery indicator light that flashes or appears to let you know if you need a car battery replacement. A failed engine control unit can also drain the battery.

You can look for signs of corrosion around your car battery. This corrosion is a sticky blue or white substance that clings to the battery terminals. You could have the corrosion removed by a mechanic, or you could do it yourself in an attempt to extend the life of the battery. Corrosion remover fluid is sold at most auto shops, but be sure to read the instructions before attempting to clean a battery yourself. Keep in mind that the appearance of corrosive material could mean that your battery’s life has already been compromised.

How to Hire a Mechanic

How to Create an Accurate Estimate

• Shop around at various retailers and auto repair shops to get an average cost.
• Ask if the installation is included in the cost of the battery.
• Consider installing the battery yourself if you can.

Licencing and Qualifications

Each state has different licensing requirements for auto mechanics. However, in general, most states require the mechanic to have a state-issued license and some work experience. Specific rules for each state are listed below.

New South Wales

• Must be deemed “fit and proper” to perform the work as decided by the government.
• Must pay the mandatory application fees.
• Must be classified as a tradesperson and not a trainee or an apprentice.
• Requires candidate to have a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Tech
• It is recommended that the candidate complete an apprenticeship.
• Will need a special certificate to do air conditioning work or to work on particular parts.
• Should be 18 years of age.
• Complete Victorian Certificate Education or the equivalent.
• Obtain an electrical work licence.
• Submit a license application.
• Complete an apprenticeship before a licence can be issued.
• May be required to complete on-the-job training while under supervision.

Australian Capital Territory

• Must fill out an application and pay the appropriate fees.
• Must be 18 years old.
• Must not be deemed “disqualified” by the ACT government.
• Must remain in compliance with regulations set by the government.

Western Australia

• Apply for a licence and pay the mandatory fees.
• Submit documents to show evidence to support the application. For instance, you may have to submit an ID card and passport.
• Meet other guidelines as deemed necessary by the government. For instance, the type of repair work you do may require you to complete training courses.

Northern Territory

Car mechanics do not currently need a licence in the Northern Territory. However, mechanics are obligated to repair vehicles with due care, and materials used should be appropriate under the Australian Consumer Law.

In Tasmania, not all car repair people are required to be licensed. However, motor vehicle tradespeople and those who do gas-fitting on automobiles are required to submit an application and fees to become licensed.

South Australia

In South Australia, not all car repair people are required to be licensed. However, motor vehicle tradespeople and those who do gas-fitting on automobiles are required to submit an application and fees to become licensed.

How to Save Money Hiring a Mechanic

• Ask your friends and family members for recommendations.
• Ask the mechanic if he or she has experience working with your car’s make and model.

FAQs

How much does a truck battery cost?

Pickup truck batteries are often slightly more expensive than car batteries. Trucks tend to be larger and require more power to start. Expect to pay between 100 and 200 on average for a good truck battery, though you should expect to pay even more if you drive a larger truck.

How much does a dual battery installation cost?

A dual battery is a battery system with a second battery installed in addition to the vehicle’s original factory-made battery. The second battery will cost several hundred dollars in most cases. Some retailers will install the battery if you buy one from them. Others will charge over 800 for installation.

How much does a car battery replacement cost?

The average car battery replacement cost will vary depending on the car, the model and how old the battery is. You can expect to pay between 130 to 500 to have your car battery replaced.

The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

Car Battery Replacement Cost: 2023 Price Comparison

If your car battery goes out, you’ll usually notice because you can’t start the car.

The first few times it happens, you can try using jumper cables to start the vehicle anyway. But, if your vehicle’s battery is no longer storing enough power, you’ll eventually have to replace it.

Luckily, car batteries are easy to replace, and you can normally get back up and running with no help from a mechanic.

The average cost of replacing a car battery is 120. However, actual costs range between 40 and 250 depending on the group size, cold cranking amps, reserve capacity, etc. In addition, if you have a mechanic install the battery for you instead of doing the work yourself, you’ll pay around 30 in labor.

The table below shows a quick price comparison of car battery replacement cost estimates from reputable suppliers:

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How Much Does Car Battery Replacement Cost?

Most car batteries can be purchased for a flat rate, usually with 40-120 in costs for the battery.

If you want to pay to have a mechanic install the battery, that will usually cost you another 30-99. That’s because most mechanics have a basic minimum rate that they work for.

However, some also offer to install your battery for free providing you buy the new one from them. And, others will give you a rebate on the total cost if you turn in your old battery.

In every case, your car will fit a range of batteries. However, it’s usually a good idea to follow manufacturer specifications exactly.

Therefore, the costs for a battery vary by car make and model, depending on battery group size, cold cranking amps, reserve capacity, etc.

The following chart details the average cost of replacing a car battery based on popular car models. We’ve left labor costs out, as this is always either a flat rate or included for free with the cost of your battery.

Note: are estimates and were correct at the time of writing (February 2022). Cost estimates may have changed since, our figures should be used as a starting point for your own research.

Car Battery Replacement Pricing Factors

Car batteries are normally priced based on brand and capacity. This is expressed in different measurements, each of which impacts costs.

Brand

There are dozens of different car battery brands out there. Some of them are budget and some of them are “performance”. For example, brands like EverStart are budget battery brands.

You can normally buy them for as little as 26.99 for a basic battery. On the other hand, brands like Odyssey are performance batteries. Unlike EverStart, they come with 3 and even 4-year warranties. But, you’ll normally pay around 300 or more for an Odyssey battery.

Is this a case of “you get what you pay for”? Sometimes.

Sometimes, more expensive batteries are just intended for higher-end applications or for people who need to be absolutely certain their battery works. E.g., if you work in remote areas and a bad battery could mean being stranded.

Battery Type

Different vehicles require two primary types of batteries. The type you need is based on the type of demand your vehicle places on the battery.

Most vehicles use starter batterers. These are “Starting, Lighting, Ignition” batteries, also sold as “SLI” batteries.

SLI batteries provide a quick burst of power for a short time during engine startup. The battery is then recharged by the alternator during normal engine use.

Some vehicles require deep cycle batteries. These are designed to provide steady current over a longer period of time.

For example, if you have a vehicle with a dump bed or electric hydraulics, have numerous electronics and plug in electronics, or otherwise place high demands on the battery.

Deep cycle batteries are much more expensive than SLI batteries.

Group Size

Group size refers to the battery dimensions, terminal locations, and terminal type.

The Battery Council International (also known as the BCI) provides a code per battery group size.

Matching the battery group size in the old and new battery is crucial to ensuring that your battery fits. You can normally find this code in your owner’s manual or on the existing battery.

Group size codes look like “H6/LN3” or “24F”. And, it’s important to note that even if the battery is the same size, terminal and post location is important.

For example, if your battery fits in the engine but the posts are too far away for your battery terminals to reach – you’ll have to change the terminals as well, which can be costly.

Here, a larger or rarer group size costs more money.

Reserve Capacity/Amp Hours

Reserve capacity or amp hours is important for your vehicle as well as for local weather. Here, RC refers to the number of minutes a fully charged battery delivers a current of 25 amps at 80 degrees.

In most cases, vehicles need a minimum of 1.75 volts per cell from the battery. Otherwise, the electronics will stop running. Therefore, your RC has to match or meet the specifications of your original battery.

C20 or Amp Hour capacity is also important. This refers to the energy that a battery can deliver over 20 hours without falling below 10.5 volts.

Higher reserve capacity and amp hours mean the battery costs more money.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

The colder your environment, the more important cold cranking amps become. CCA refers to the number of amps the battery can deliver at 0 degrees.

In addition, to get a CCA rating, the battery has to deliver that for at least 30 seconds, or the time it takes most vehicles to start.

If you live somewhere with very cold winters, you have to pay special attention to the CCA. If your area has mild winters, it’s much less of a concern.

And, of course, a higher CCA means a more expensive battery.

Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Battery

If your battery is starting to fail, it’s always better to replace it before it fails completely. After all, a failed battery can leave you stranded.

In addition, failing batteries make your onboard electronics, like your headlights, less reliable.

Dim Lights

The car battery powers the electronics systems in your vehicle. These include the interior electronics and lights as well as exterior lights like headlights.

If your headlights are failing, flicker on and off, or are dimming, it may be a battery issue. Of course, it might also be an issue with the wiring or the lamps themselves. You can and should check this.

However, if your battery isn’t providing enough power, the lights will dim. And, that’s especially true if it happens with interior lights as well.

E.g., if your headlights are dimmer than usual, try turning on the cabin light. If that’s also dim, it’s probably a battery issue.

Clicking Sounds on Ignition

If your ignition clicks rather than starting, it means the starter isn’t getting enough power to make a full turn. It starts up and then loses power and clicks to a stop.

Of course, this could also mean you have a bad starter. It might also mean you have a bad starter solenoid.

However, it almost always means the starter isn’t getting enough power. And, a failing battery is a good culprit for that.

Engine Revving Needed to Start

If your engine cranks slowly or needs gas to start, it probably means the battery is failing. Of course, it could also mean the starter is failing. In this case, it’s always a good idea to actually check.

Backfiring

A failing battery can cause a slow start. For example, if the starter starts and fails a few times and the engine starts to turn over a few times.

The fuel injectors will do their job and will start injecting fuel into the cylinders. Then, when the engine actually starts up, that fuel will combust very suddenly, causing backfiring.

Again, this issue might be from other causes. Here you can consider the starter, the solenoids, and even the fuel injectors. However, if you have backfiring alongside other issues, the battery may be the culprit.

Not Charging

If you have a voltmeter or multimeter on hand, you can easily check your battery. Here, you want to set the meter to 15-20 volts.

Turn the lights on the car off. Connect the multimeter to the positive and negative terminals.

If the battery is at less than 12.6, the battery might be going bad. Here, you can try to charge the car battery.

However, you can also leave the car running for a bit with the electronics off and then test again. If it’s not charging, it’s bad.

Replacing a Car Battery: 11 Steps

Replacing a car battery is very easy. In most cases, you can complete the job in less than half an hour, even with a thorough cleaning.

However, if you have a new car, you may want to have your battery changed at a mechanic’s shop.

Why? If you take your car battery out, you’ll lose your electronics settings and will have to completely reset them.

Car shops use a memory saver device to save those settings and then re-load them onto the vehicle afterwards.

If you don’t mind resetting your electronics, you can complete the job yourself.

Things You’ll Need:

• Wire brush OR battery terminal cleaner
• Cleaning solution
• Wrench set (most cars use a 10mm nut)
• Disposable gloves
• Replacement battery, matching your vehicles requirements

From there, you can easily change your car battery yourself.

• Park your vehicle and allow it to cool.
• Take the key out of the engine. This is extremely important as some vehicles will lock up when the power comes back on.
• Open the hood.
• Find the battery posts and use a 10mm wrench or socket to loosen the negative battery terminal. Take it off the post. If it’s stuck, give it a few taps with a hammer.
• Then repeat the process on the other side.
• Tuck both terminals out of the way.
• Then lift the battery out of the engine and place it on a flat surface.
• Use a wire brush and cleaner to scrub the terminals and the battery tray. This ensures your new battery is less likely to suffer from early corrosion.
• Allow the cleaned cable terminal ends to dry fully.
• Then put the new battery back into place. You should always use a wrench or socket to tighten the terminal ends to keep the terminals in place, or they will vibrate off.
• Close the hood and start your vehicle up. You’ll have to reset the clock and other settings.

Finally, it’s important that you always dispose of batteries safely. Most mechanics have a battery collection depot. Some will even offer you money for them.

However, it’s never safe to leave old batteries lying around. It’s also never safe to dispose of batteries in the garbage. Make sure you take your old battery to a safe disposal system.

If you take your vehicle to a Walmart or other battery seller, those retailers are often required by law to have battery disposal. Therefore, you can probably save a lot of time by simply replacing your battery on location. However, this isn’t always an option.

Summary

Changing the battery in your car is an easy task. Most people can do it themselves in just a few minutes.

If you have no corrosion or damage around the battery, you could be finished in as little as five minutes. However, it’s always a good idea to clean everything to protect the new battery.

Finally, disposing of the old battery is always important.

In addition, while you can replace a car battery yourself, many auto parts stores offer free installation.

For example, AutoZone and NAPA both advertise that they will install your battery for free if you purchase it with them. This could save you some hassle, especially as it means the auto repair will immediately dispose of the old battery for you.

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Electric Car Battery Life: Everything You Need to Know

The battery packs of electric vehicles are quite resilient, with the lithium-ion type used in most modern EVs capable of lasting at least a decade before needing replacement.

The simplicity of a battery electric vehicle is analogous to that of a digital watch. It’s uncomplicated, reliable, and cheap. By that token, a car with an internal combustion engine is a bit like a mechanical timepiece: full of complicated parts that require regular maintenance.

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How Much Does an EV Battery Replacement Cost?

Of course, you can buy a pack of batteries for your digital watch for less than 10, while replacing the 40-kWh pack in a Nissan Leaf will run you thousands of dollars. Sure, electric cars have fewer moving parts to service and are generally cheaper to maintain, but the cost of replacing the battery pack remains the Achilles’ heel of EVs.

Even this is set to become less of an issue in the future, as manufacturing improvements and additional scale ought to make replacing an EV’s battery pack a less costly affair. Plus, we now have a better picture of the typical EV battery pack’s average service life thanks to the global uptick in sales of such vehicles.

Battery Basics

Most modern electric cars use a lithium-ion battery pack to store energy. While other battery types are expected to power the motors of electric cars in the coming years, such as solid-state batteries, the current infrastructure for large-scale battery production favors those of the lithium-ion type.

Lithium-ion batteries have the following benefits:

• Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density than conventional lead-acid batteries, such as those that power the electrics of most modern cars, or nickel-metal hydride batteries, which are currently used in many hybrid cars, such as those from Toyota.
• Lithium-ion batteries self-discharge at a lower rate than other battery types.
• Lithium-ion batteries do not require periodic full discharges, nor any maintenance to electrolytes.
• Lithium-ion batteries provide more consistent voltage even as the charge degrades.

In the simplest terms, an electric car with a lithium-ion battery pack performs similarly to a car with an internal combustion engine and a full tank of gasoline, as an EV with the right combination of battery capacity, curb weight, and aerodynamic efficiency can drive hundreds of miles between charges. However, a EV’s peak power does tend to diminish with its state of charge, which is why we do all of our performance testing starting with a 100-percent charge.

That said, lithium-ion batteries do have some drawbacks:

• Lithium-ion batteries are expensive to produce, and mining the cobalt and nickel required to make these energy storage devices is rife with both environmental and humanitarian concerns.
• Onboard battery management is critical to the longevity of lithium-ion batteries.
• Fully charging and fully discharging lithium-ion batteries takes a toll on their service life.
• Though the chances are low, lithium-ion batteries have the potential to overheat and catch fire.
• Extreme temperatures affect the charging and discharging of lithium-ion batteries.

Automakers, however, have addressed most of these issues by developing software that manages the battery’s health and temperature, the latter of which also includes dedicated hardware, such as cooling and heating systems designed to improve the efficiency (and safety) of lithium-ion battery packs whether they’re motivating an EV through Norway during the peak of winter or Texas in the midst of an extreme heat wave.

How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?

Guesswork aside, the simplest way to judge the longevity of a battery pack is by way of the manufacturer’s warranty. Given the cost of replacing a battery pack, no automaker wants to get stuck with this bill due to the fact they overestimated the pack’s resiliency and longevity. The battery’s limited warranty, thus, provides an insight into what the manufacturer views as the typical pack’s minimum life expectancy.

All EVs sold today include a battery warranty of at least eight years and 100,000 miles. Tesla, for instance, offers an eight-year battery warranty and coverage of between 100,000–150,000 miles depending on the specific model.

This warranty doesn’t only cover the complete failure of the battery pack, it also serves as a guarantee against serious degradation. With each charge cycle, lithium-ion battery packs lose a fraction of their total capacity. As time goes on, these small hits to the pack’s maximum capacity take a toll on the overall driving range of an EV.

Tesla’s fine print says, for example, that a vehicle such as the Model 3 should maintain at least 70 percent of its charge capacity while its pack is still under warranty. If charge capacity falls below that during the warranty window, then owners should expect Tesla to address and cover the costs of this battery-related issue.

Tesla’s not working with an arbitrary percentage, either, as the likelihood of one of its vehicles’ battery packs degrading to less than 70 percent of its original charge capacity during the warranty period is slim. A crowd-sourced study by Tesla owners in the Netherlands—using data from Teslas sold throughout the world—showed that the battery packs of Model S sedans were seeing an average rate of degradation of around 5 percent during the first 50,000 miles of driving. This curve becomes less steep as more miles are added, too, with the study indicating the battery packs of these long-range Teslas typically held at least 90 percent of their original charge after 150,000 miles of driving. Our long-term Model 3 lost roughly 6 percent of its battery capacity after the first 20,000 miles but then didn’t degrade any further all the way to 40,000 miles over 2 years.

Hyundai offers a similar battery warranty for its EV of the Year-winning Ioniq 5, with coverage of 10 years or 100,000 miles. It also covers battery degradation, with Hyundai expecting the Ioniq 5’s pack to lose no more than 30 percent of its original charge during the warranty period.

The U.S. Department of Energy, meanwhile, predicts today’s EV batteries ought to last a good deal past their warranty period, with these packs’ service lives clocking in at between 12 and 15 years if used in moderate climates. Plan on a service life of between 8 and 12 years if your EV is regularly used in more extreme conditions.

Safety and Maintenance of an Electric Car

Except for the likes of low-speed neighborhood electric vehicles, electric cars sold in the United States are held to the same safety standards as all other passenger vehicles. Additionally, EV battery packs are required to be encased in a sealed shell, as well as be able to handle testing conditions related to overcharging, extreme temperatures, fires, accidents, water immersion, vibrations, and short-circuiting, per DOE. EVs also need to use insulated high-voltage lines and be able to deactivate their electrical systems in the event of a crash or short circuit.

Battery-related electric car fires often grab headlines because they are harder to fight. Yet, the likelihood of an electric car catching fire is far less likely than that of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. In short, the chances of an electric car catching fire are extremely slim; however, should such a fire occur, it’ll likely require the local fire department to put it out.

Maintaining an electric car is a relatively straightforward affair. Owners need to keep an eye on fluids (coolant, refrigerant, windshield wash), tires, and brake pads and rotors, though the latter items ought to last longer than those of cars with internal combustion engines as the regenerative braking function of EVs puts less wear on the mechanical braking bits.

Battery Charging Cycles

Though it’s certainly not unheard of, most drivers do not drive their car until it’s completely out of fuel. The same applies to EVs. Owners may drive their vehicle to a very low state of charge, but most will likely avoid completely draining the battery pack. Given the ease of plugging in at home, it’s possible that even fewer EV drivers will ever completely discharge their vehicle’s battery pack.

How Charging Affects EV Battery Lifespan

Still, at-home charging isn’t the quickest way to increase an EV’s state of charge (though the nature of EV charging cycles, which often occur during long periods, such as overnight, means the slower speed of at-home charging rarely presents itself as a problem). For times when a quick charge is needed, fast chargers are the go-to option.

Nonetheless, these pricey but convenient chargers tend to degrade lithium-ion batteries at a quicker rate than lesser charging options. If you’re hoping to get the most service life from your EVs battery pack, then avoid unnecessary fast charging. That said, the battery in your EV is more than capable of handling fast charges in times of need without you having to worry about its effects on the pack’s internal bits.

Likewise, it’s best to avoid charging an EV’s battery to full capacity or letting it discharge entirely. Many electric cars include settings to adjust the maximum charge level, with many automakers recommending drivers charge the pack to 85- or 90-percent capacity for typical daily use.

Battery Thermal Management Systems

An active thermal management system is key to keeping an electric car’s lithium-ion battery pack at peak performance. Lithium-ion batteries have an optimum operating range of between 50–86 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature range that most modern EVs attempt to maintain their battery packs at by way of a cooling/heating circuit.

Much like heating and cooling the interior of a car, heating and cooling an EV’s battery pack burns energy. As such, expect the overall driving range to suffer somewhat when driving in extreme temperatures. At least with these systems in place, EV battery packs are less likely to degrade at a notably greater rate than they would in less extreme temperatures.

The truth is that today’s EV batteries will inevitably need replacing in the future. Fortunately, modern EV battery packs should prove problem-free for nearly the first decade of use—possibly even longer. By the time today’s EVs will need a replacement battery pack it’s likely the manufacturing and material costs will be far less than they are today. We’re not saying that replacing your EV’s lithium-ion battery pack a decade from now will be cheap, but we wager doing so will be much more affordable than it is today.

No, it doesn’t cost between 25-30K to replace most electric vehicle batteries

Experts say electric vehicle batteries typically cost between 2,000 and 10,000 to replace, but some are more expensive.

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity worldwide, with sales doubling in 2021 to a new record of 6.6 million, the International Energy Agency said in May.

But some research has shown that it’s more costly to repair an electric vehicle than a gas-powered one.

VERIFY reader Donald wants to know if the higher cost extends to replacement batteries for electric vehicles. He said he’s heard stories that it will cost 25,000 to 30,000 to replace electric vehicle batteries and asked the team to look into these claims.

THE QUESTION

Does it cost between 25,000 to 30,000 to replace most electric vehicle batteries?

THE SOURCES

• Kathleen Long, chief revenue officer at RepairPal
• AutoTrader, an online marketplace for car buyers and sellers
• Jerry Insurance
• Stephanie Valdez-Streaty, director of research and development at Cox Automotive Mobility
• Roger Dean Chevrolet in Cape Coral, Florida

THE ANSWER

No, it doesn’t cost between 25,000 to 30,000 to replace most electric vehicle batteries.

Electric vehicle batteries do cost more to replace than those for gas-powered vehicles, but they also last much longer on average, experts say.

WHAT WE FOUND

Though it typically doesn’t cost 25,000 to 30,000 to replace most electric vehicle batteries, it’s still much more expensive than replacing the battery in a gas-powered vehicle. That’s largely because the materials they are made with are costly.

All-electric vehicles have an electric motor instead of the internal combustion engine in gas-powered vehicles. A large traction battery pack powers the electric vehicle’s motor and must be recharged to keep the car running.

Kathleen Long, chief revenue officer at RepairPal, told VERIFY the typical cost of a replacement electric vehicle battery is between 5,000 and 9,000.

A simple refurbished electric vehicle battery can cost as little as 2,000, while the price can climb to well over 10,000 for one that works with a newer electric vehicle, AutoTrader author Andrew Ganz wrote in October 2021.

For example, a battery replacement for a Tesla Model 3 or Model S could cost between 12,000 and 15,000, according to Jerry Insurance. On the high end, a Ford dealership in Lakeland, Florida, lists the price of a replacement battery for a 2021 Mustang Mach-E at over 23,000.

The cost of battery replacement for other popular models, such as the Nissan Leaf, can range anywhere from about 3,000 to 9,000, Jerry Insurance says.

In comparison, the average cost of a replacement battery for gas-powered vehicles is about 350, RepairPal estimates.

Though electric vehicle batteries are more costly than those for gas-powered vehicles, they have a much longer lifespan. Many experts estimate that the average electric vehicle battery will last around 200,000 miles – that’s 10 years if you drive 20,000 miles every year. People who own gas-powered vehicles may need to change the battery every few years.

And there are some situations where an electric vehicle owner can have their battery replaced free of cost.

“Manufacturer warranty is typically eight years and 100,000 miles – under warranty, there should not be any cost for the battery replacement,” Stephanie Valdez-Streaty, director of research and development at Cox Automotive Mobility, wrote in an email.

If your vehicle is outside of the warranty, you’ll need to pay for the battery replacement.

Hybrid vehicle battery replacement quoted at 30K, but this isn’t the norm

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles use batteries to power an electric motor and another fuel, such as gasoline, to power an internal combustion engine.

Though most electric vehicle battery replacements don’t cost 25,000 or more, VERIFY found at least one example of such a high price tag for a hybrid EV.

A post that circulated on social media in late August 2022 listed the cost of a replacement battery and labor for a Chevy Volt, a hybrid electric vehicle, with just over 70,000 miles at around 29,000. Roger Dean Chevrolet, the Florida dealership that gave the repair estimate, addressed it in a comment on its page.

The estimate was for a 12-year-old vehicle that was out of warranty “and for a battery that is extremely hard to get, due to the older technology of the 12-year-old vehicle,” the dealership wrote. Chevy discontinued the Volt in 2019.

Generally, hybrid battery replacement costs can range from 2,000 to 8,000, though the price can vary depending on the make or service center, a Toyota dealership in Cincinnati says on its website.