A new study by Recurrent details exactly how much it costs to replace the batteries of some of the more popular electric cars, and unsurprisingly, the procedure isn’t cheap at all. Most of the cars have a warranty on the battery that covers repairs and/or replacements for a certain number of years, so this applies more to older out-of-warranty vehicles. Costs also depend on whether the battery is an original part from the manufacturer or purchased from a third party.
According to Recurrent’s research, the average battery replacement is €125.95 per kWh.
For the first mass electric BMW – the i3 model, the battery costs from 2,300 euros for a used one to as much as 14,700 euros for a new one. As for the Chevrolet Bolt, GM itself quoted a battery price of €14,461 in 2017, but Recurrent found that dealers are asking from €14,700.
Next up is the hybrid Chevrolet Volt, not to be confused with the all-electric Bolt. And because it’s a hybrid, its smaller battery typically costs less to replace in an all-electric car. Recurrent quoted a price of €2,750 for a used battery or €7,350 for a new one.
One of the first electric mass models – Nissan Leaf, has different amounts. A 30kWh pack can cost from €3,200 to €4,135, a 40kWh pack can cost from €6,000 to €6,400 and a large 62kWh pack is around €7,800 to €8,730.
A Tesla Model 3 battery costs between €9,180 and €14,520, while batteries for the larger and more expensive Model S range from €11,000 to €20,200. One of the cheapest services is for the Volkswagen E-Golf, whose 35.8 kWh battery costs €1,543.
