Each Tesla EV comes with a 12 V battery that powers the ancillary systems like the air conditioner, windows, locks, and headlights. Any issue with one of those parts signals that your Tesla’s 12-volt battery is flat and needs to be replaced.
If you take the Tesla Mobile Service, the cost mostly remains between $120 and $235. Tesla Specific Service Center may charge between $5,000 and $20,000 for this job.
Tesla 12v Battery Replacement Cost (Revised Estimate)
Even though Tesla does not fully publish the estimated cost to the public, most users have reported paying between $120 and $250 for the Tesla Mobile Service. Some even claimed to have paid up to $70 in extra labor costs for the service.
Replacing the 12v Lead Acid battery of Tesla older Models may cost between $150 and $500 via Mobile mechanic service including labor expenses 30 to 50.
A new 12v Lithium-Ion battery for any basic Tesla model normally costs between $5,000 and $17,000 at a Tesla authorized dealership or Service Center. But it can even go up to $20,000 or $25,000 max for Tesla premium or expensive models.
Have an idea of how much you’d have to pay at the Tesla Service Center:
Tesla Model S 12v Battery Replacement:
Based on available information provided by Tesla users until March 2023, if you own a Model S car, Tesla Service Center will charge between $13,000 and $20,000 where_
| Actual Battery Pack | ($12,000 – $15,000) |
| Labor Cost | ($175 – $200) per hour |
| Replacement Parts | ($20 – $200) |
Tesla Model 3 12v Battery Replacement:
Similarly, if it’s a Model 3 car, Tesla will charge you between $13,000 and $14,000 for the battery replacement, where_
| Actual Battery Pack | ($7,000 – $11,000) |
| Labor Cost | ($175 – $200) per hour |
| Replacement Parts | ($20 – $200) |
Tesla Model X 12v Battery Replacement:
Since the battery replacement work for its Model X will be similar to the Model S, any Tesla-authorized workshop or service center will most probably charge between $13,000 and $20,000, where_
| Actual Battery Pack | ($12,000 – $15,000) |
| Labor Cost | ($175 – $200) per hour |
| Replacement Parts | ($20 – $200) |
Tesla Model Y 12v Battery Replacement:
This is the newest edition in the Tesla EV family and Tesla Service Center charges between $5,000 and $5,500 due to cutting manufacturing expenses, where_
| Actual Battery Pack | ($5,000 – $5,500) |
| Labor Cost | ($175 – $200) per hour |
| Replacement Parts | ($20 – $200) |
Besides, you may get the service at a significantly less price from the third party, which may range between $5000 and $7000. However, a non-Tesla mechanic who is unfamiliar with Tesla EVs will fail to do the task successfully.
Since the Tesla authorized technicians have direct access to manufacturer parts and software updates, their work will be accurate and effective.
However, keep in mind that the overall cost estimate may change significantly by the time you visit the Tesla Care Center for the replacement job.
4 Best 12 Volt Batteries Compatible for Tesla Models:
If you are looking for the best alternative option for Tesla OEM 12v batteries, check out these four popular choices:
| 12v Battery | Cell Composition | Item Dimension | Weight |
| Ohmmu T12403, 12V Lithium Battery for Tesla Model 3 | Lithium | 8.15 x 6.89 x 7.48 inches | 12.4 Pounds |
| EarthX ETX900 lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) battery | Lithium | 6.5 x 3.1 x 6.6 inches | 4.9 Pounds |
| WPS HJ04L-FP-IL Featherweight Lithium Battery | Polymer | 2.5 x 4.1 x 4 inches | 2.4 pounds |
| Ohmmu T1230S, 12V Lithium Battery for Tesla Model S | Lithium | 7.5 x 5.2 x 6.8 inches | 9 pounds |
Related Post: Does Your Tesla Stop Charging When the Battery is Full?
How Do I Know If My 12V Tesla Battery Needs to Be Replaced?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should replace your 12v battery:
- Seeing a warning message displayed on Tesla’s main screen, stating “12V Battery Needs Service” or “12V Battery Needs Replacement Soon” send via Tesla Mobile App.
- If your Tesla abruptly shuts down or is having problems starting.
- If you observe a considerable decrease in the range of your car.
- If you’re having trouble with car accessories like lights, car radios, and air conditioning.
- If you observe any fading or flickering, it could be the result of a problem with the 12v battery.
- If your Tesla requires frequent jump starts, the 12V battery is most likely failing.
Tesla 12v Battery Replacement Guide:
Once you’ve decided to do the replacement task yourself, make sure you’ve gathered all the tools required for the job.
Required Tools:
- New Battery
- Socket
- 10mm ratchet
- Flathead screwdriver
Then, proceed as follows:
Step 1 – First, Turn off your Tesla’s power. Then, open its doors, lower the windows, and open its front trunk. Make sure to disconnect the charging cable from the charge port.
Step 2 – Gain access to the high-voltage cord by opening your car’s back seats. Next, take off the black plastic cover, where you will notice a thick black cord with a silver attachment. So, pull that cord to unplug the high voltage to avoid electrocution.
Step 3 – Now you need to open your car’s hood and pull off the plastic cover nearest to your car’s windscreen. Then, move to the passenger side of your car and remove that side’s air vent.
Step 4 – After that, you need to remove the mounting bolts attached to the battery brackets. So, start taking them off from the car’s driver’s side first and then, remove them from its passenger side.
Do not forget to remove the large battery bracket located in the middle.
Next, remove the battery’s negative (black) terminal first and then remove the positive terminal. Carefully take your old battery off and put it out of the way.
Step 5 – Place the new battery carefully over there. Re-attach the middle bracket first, followed by the other brackets. Then, reconnect the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal.
Re-install all the mounting bolts, air vent, and plastic cover accordingly. Finally, re-connect the high-voltage connector.
Related Post: Tesla Battery Temperature Low: Why It’s Dropping and What You Can Do?
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Can I Get My Tesla 12v Battery Replaced for Free?
Yes. The 12V battery is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty that comes with every new Tesla. For all Tesla models, your battery is insured for 8 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
So, if you are going to replace the battery within this warranty period, it will be done free of cost by Tesla.
How long do Tesla 12 volt batteries last?
The longevity of a Tesla 12v battery appears to fluctuate, but on average, they last roughly 3-5 years. Some Tesla owners claim that their batteries can last up to four years.
Can I Change My Own Tesla 12V Battery?
Yes, you can since Tesla has released guides on DIY maintenance. But you should be aware that doing so will raise the cost of your battery replacement.
If you lack the necessary skills or time, visit your local Tesla service center or contact a Tesla mobile technician.
Can you jump-start a dead 12V battery on Tesla?
Yes, you can manually jump-start a dead Tesla 12v battery. If you have a Lithium-Ion low voltage battery, follow the Jump-start guide provided by Tesla. But if it is a Lead Acid low-voltage battery, follow the specific instructions provided by Tesla.
How long will It take to replace a Tesla 12v Battery?
That varies, the replacement task may take a minimum of three to thirteen hours at a Tesla Service Center.
But some users claim that the Mobile mechanic takes around 10 minutes to replace the battery.
