The challenges of post-warranty repairs extend beyond household appliances as Tesla Model S owners grapple with the potentially steep costs of out-of-warranty battery replacements. A user on the r/RealTesla subreddit recently shared an invoice from a local Tesla service center, revealing a daunting repair bill of $19,346.06 for addressing a Model S’s loss of driving range from 270 to 215 miles (435-346 km).
The Model S owner, cautioning fellow community members, emphasized the need for financial preparedness for battery replacements post-warranty. The individual disclosed that the battery replacement requirement surfaced just four months after the warranty expiration, with the car having covered 163,000 miles, and being a 2015 Model S.
Beware !! You may save in fuel or oil changes but make sure you save the money for a battery 4 months out of warranty and I need a new battery 163,000 miles 2015 model s
by inRealTesla
It’s noteworthy that the invoice indicated the owner’s explicit request for a new battery rather than a remanufactured unit. The post also highlighted that opting for a refurbished battery through an independent EV specialist could potentially result in substantial cost savings.
While comparisons were drawn with high-end internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, where engine replacements can also incur significant expenses, the Tesla owner faced the decision to invest in a new battery. The post sparked discussions about the potential time required to recoup the investment, considering factors such as the Model S’s free unlimited Supercharging and the cost of gas in California, estimated at $5.25 per gallon.
The owner projected that it would take approximately 208 fuel fill-ups to offset the repair cost, acknowledging that despite the significant investment, the new battery comes with a four-year and 50,000-mile (80,000 km) warranty. The discussions in the thread also recognized the potential longevity and cumulative mileage the Model S might accrue before facing additional repair needs.
