How To Understand Tesla's Battery Warranty and Coverage

Image credit: Tesla

The battery is the most important component of any electric vehicle. This is why you need to understand how the warranty works and its coverage in Tesla vehicles. While the company’s batteries vary, they are all guaranteed to retain at least 70 percent battery capacity for 8 years or 100,000 miles or more, whichever comes first. Even the oldest production Tesla models generally achieve 80 percent or better charge retention over 100,000 miles, according to the data. In fact, Tesla’s battery packs are among the best in the industry.

Tesla Battery Warranty

Tesla's battery warranty covers the battery as well as the drive unit. It covers "the repair or replacement necessary to correct defects in the materials or workmanship of any parts manufactured or supplied by Tesla, which occur under normal use."

Types of Warranties for Tesla Batteries Depending on Model

• Model S and Model X - 8 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period. Any Model S or Model X purchased prior to the effective date specified on the cover page of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty is subject to the applicable Battery and Drive Unit Warranty effective as of the date of purchase.
• Model 3 and Model Y Standard or Standard Range Plus - 8 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period.
• Model 3 and Model Y Long Range or Performance - 8 years or 120,000 miles (192,000 km), whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity, over the warranty period.

Warranty coverage

Tesla's warranty covers the vehicle's large main battery pack and the drive unit (or Units) it powers. Tesla drive units consist of one or two electric motors, an accompanying single-speed gearbox and an inverter. The battery pack is also covered by warranty in the event of a battery fire, including due to driver error. The company emphasizes that intentional abuse or damage is not covered. If necessary, notify the company during the warranty period. Keep in mind that in most cases the owner pays to transport the vehicle to the service center.

Cautions

If electronic or physical modifications are made to the vehicle by third parties, the Tesla vehicle warranty will be void. Intentional damage such as exposure to fire or flood will also void the warranty.