Cost of replacing batteries in an electric car - what does it depend on?
Ecology
6 January 2023
The cost of replacing the battery in an electric car is one of the key issues to address before buying such a vehicle. The battery is the main source of energy and is most responsible for the life of an emission-free car. This is why replacing this part can put a heavy strain on your budget. Is it worth investing in an "electric" repair? Find out what influences the price of batteries for an electric car and what expenses e-mobility enthusiasts have to reckon with.
Cost of replacing batteries in an electric car - what does it depend on?
The thought of replacing main batteries often causes anxiety for e-vehicle owners. As a result of improper use or storage, the performance of the battery decreases and, over time, replacement may become necessary. As a rule, the battery life of electric cars allows trouble-free use for up to a dozen years, although some manufacturers shorten this period, encouraging a visit to the service centre after just 5 years of using an 'electric'. A drop in battery capacity may also be caused by a manufacturing defect in a particular batch - such problems, however, are often provided for in the car manufacturer's warranty terms and are subject to replacement, usually at no extra cost.
The final cost of replacing the battery in an electric car is influenced by the reputation of the brand and the specific model of the car. The originality of the new parts is also a factor that defines how much you will pay for a battery replacement. Replacements can be up to half the price, but they are not always a proven choice. In some cases, instead of buying a new battery for your electric car, you simply rely on replacing the individual cells, which is the cheaper option in the final price summary. Other costs are related to servicing. In every case, however, the optimum solution will be to use the offer of an authorised dealership.
How much does it cost to replace batteries in an electric car - individual models
The price of a new battery for an electric car is an expense of tens of thousands of zloty. In some models, the cost can be even half of the total value of the vehicle. It is worth mentioning that the cost of replacing the battery in an electric car will be different for a several-year old model of a popular brand with a battery capacity of 50 kWh (e.g. in Renault cars), and different for a new luxury Tesla with a battery capacity of 85 kWh. In the case of cheaper vehicles, you will pay between PLN 30,000 and PLN 80,000 to replace the battery for an electric car, while for premium models the price can be as high as PLN 150,000.
How much do batteries for electric cars cost? We have compared the most popular models available on the market. In the case of the Nissan Leaf, the average cost is estimated at around PLN 90 thousand. In comparison, owners of the BMW i3 and Volkswagen e-Golf have to reckon with an expense of between PLN 80,000 and 90,000, and the Hyundai Kona Electric - even PLN 150,000. If you think that for batteries for electric cars the price is always cosmically high, the Smart EQ model is an exception. When replacing the battery in this small car, you will have to shell out around 40 thousand zloty.
How long does an electric car battery last and when might it need to be replaced?
The capacity of electric car batteries decreases with each successive charging cycle - this is no secret. Your smartphone or laptop battery works on the same principle; progressive wear and tear is inevitable. However, by operating fully in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, you can enjoy years of trouble-free use. According to automotive industry experts, it is now standard practice to maintain an exemplary battery life in electric cars for at least 1,000 charging cycles. The capacity of the battery largely depends on how the car is used and the mileage, but it is estimated that car owners with a battery can drive for 15 to even 25 years without major problems.
The signal that the battery needs to be replaced is a loss of capacity or life. Electric car manufacturers offer a warranty that is usually valid for 8 years and 160,000 kilometres driven. If, during this period, users encounter frequent drops below 60-70% of the battery's initial value, they can replace the battery under the terms of their warranty. In an electric vehicle battery, the greatest loss of capacity is noticeable during the first period of use - similar to other devices with lithium-ion batteries. If you notice a rapidly progressive loss of energy, there is a good chance that you will be able to take advantage of the manufacturer's form of protection. Otherwise, you are left to replace the battery on your own. Changing the battery can also be a consequence of damage and chassis failures caused, for example, by collisions on the road.
Is it cost-effective to replace batteries in an electric car?
How does the cost of replacing the battery in an electric car affect the cost-effectiveness of the whole purchase? The answer to this question will certainly be of interest to those thinking of replacing an internal combustion engine car with an electric model. It is certainly worth considering the issue of lower failure rates. "Battery cars" are characterised by reliable operation and the absence of frequent service visits, which overall argues in favour of choosing this type of vehicle - even despite the higher initial cost. It also all comes down to the model chosen: sometimes the price of the batteries alone of top-of-the-range vehicles is equivalent to buying a new internal combustion engine straight from the showroom. In such a situation, it is a good idea to think about the magnitude of the expenses that may arise during the operation of an "electric" vehicle and, based on this, make a decision on the planned purchase or replacement of the batteries in your existing car.
The cost of replacing batteries in an electric car - how does it go?
If the warranty time has passed, the total cost of replacing the battery in your electric car will be for both new parts and labour at the service centre. In some situations, you may also be able to take advantage of the more affordable option of replacing individual cells. Unfortunately, such a service will not be possible for all vehicle models, but where you do not need to replace the entire battery pack, it allows you to save a lot. The average cost of such a service, depending on the model and year of the car, will be around several thousand PLN.
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