Teslas may have some of the best range out there, but even great batteries eventually degrade or might just lack the capacity to meet your daily driving needs. Fortunately, getting a new EV isn’t your only option.

In today’s blog post, we’ll walk you through the different kinds of upgrades that a Tesla may be able to get, how to upgrade your Tesla’s battery, and where to go if you want professional help.

Quick disclaimer before you read on: We are not Tesla, a repair shop, or a high-voltage battery installer. This article is general information only, not repair advice, installation instructions, warranty advice, or a recommendation to modify your specific vehicle. Tesla battery packs are high-voltage components and can be extremely dangerous if handled incorrectly. Battery upgrades, replacements, software unlocks, and third-party modifications can affect warranty coverage, Supercharging access, safety, insurance, resale value, and vehicle functionality. Before making any battery-related decision, check your Tesla app, your actual warranty status, Tesla’s current terms, and a written estimate from Tesla Service or a qualified EV repair shop.

But first, let’s take a quick look at Tesla’s actual battery warranty. After all, if you could get your Tesla’s battery replaced for free, why wouldn’t you?

What Is the Battery Warranty for a Tesla?

Before considering a replacement or upgrade of your Tesla’s battery, you should always check your battery’s condition against the warranty terms of your Tesla. Tesla battery packs aren’t cheap, so it’s worth your time to rule out a possible warranty claim before researching a battery replacement outside of warranty.

It’s also worth noting that replacement battery packs provided for warranty claims aren’t typically new. Tesla often uses refurbished or remanufactured packs in good condition to fulfill warranty repairs that require a pack replacement. These remanufactured packs can be a disappointment to owners hoping to regain their Tesla’s original brand-new range on a warranty claim, but they are a normal part of how many warranty repairs are handled.

Here’s the short version of Tesla’s Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty:

For the Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty, Tesla covers drivetrain components and the battery pack for 8 years or a model-dependent mileage limit, with minimum 70% battery capacity retention during the warranty period.

Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck batteries are generally covered for 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, with minimum 70% battery capacity retention.

The battery and drive unit of the Long Range, Performance, and many higher-range Model 3 and Model Y trims are generally covered for 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, with minimum 70% battery capacity retention. For Standard, Standard Range, Standard Range Plus, and some RWD Model 3/Y variants, coverage is generally 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, with the same minimum 70% retention language.

Translation: Tesla does not usually replace a battery just because the displayed range is lower than when the car was new. Warranty coverage depends on the vehicle’s actual warranty terms, mileage, age, degradation level, title status, service history, and whether the pack has been tampered with or serviced improperly.

A final note on Tesla warranties: opening or servicing the battery compartment without proper authorization, training, and documentation can create major warranty problems. If you are contemplating having battery work done on your Tesla, make sure you either don’t have additional coverage or are okay with possibly losing it.

For more in-depth coverage of Tesla’s warranty terms and conditions, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Tesla Warranty Coverage.

Can You Upgrade a Tesla Battery?

Whether or not you can upgrade your Tesla’s battery depends on both hardware and software compatibility. Some models would have to receive a physical upgrade, while others may be able to receive an update to unlock extra battery capacity (some people refer to this as “uncorking the battery”).

That said, this is not like upgrading the memory in a laptop. Tesla does not generally advertise physical battery upgrades as a normal consumer service, and many “upgrades” live in a gray area of used packs, third-party installers, software compatibility, donor parts, service-tool access, and real-world risk.

Let’s walk through the software-based battery upgrades and physical battery upgrades that are possible for Teslas:

Tesla Software Upgrades: Unlocking Battery Capacity

Model S/X Software-Based Battery Upgrades

Thanks to the constant battery pack changes that Tesla went through (especially in the early years of the Model S and X), there’s no absolute guide for which model years had batteries that might be eligible for a software upgrade. However, we have been able to determine some common situations where Tesla sold a vehicle with a software-limited pack. Let’s take a look:

The 2012-2013 Model S 40 was sold with a software-limited 60 kWh battery, and the original upgrade fee varied in cost between $2,000-$10,000. Very few of these vehicles are still out on the road without the unlock, but Tesla may still provide the upgrade as a special request at the Service Center.

The 2016-2017 Model S 60 was sold with a software-limited 75 kWh battery. From the information we’ve seen, this battery situation applies to any trim level of the 60 for those model years (e.g., you can upgrade a 2016-2017 60D to a 75D). The original upgrade fee from the 60kWh capacity to 75 kWh capacity cost $8,500. More recently, owners have reported software unlock pricing around $2,500 when the option is available, but availability and pricing should be verified with Tesla for the specific VIN.

The 2016-2017 Model X 60D was sold with a software-limited 75 kWh battery. The original upgrade fee from the 60 kWh capacity to 75 kWh capacity cost $8,000. At some point in 2019, it seems that some of these batteries were unlocked over-the-air for free. It’s unclear whether this is still a free upgrade or a paid one, and owners should contact their Service Center to determine if the vehicle is eligible for a software unlock.

The 2016-2017 Model S 70 was sold with a software-limited 75 kWh battery. This is at least true for vehicles manufactured after April 11, 2016. The software unlock originally cost $3,250 for the extra 5 kWh of usable capacity.

Some 2017 Model S 75/75Ds and Model X 75Ds were sold with software-limited 85 kWh batteries. It’s unclear as to whether these were exclusively sold in Europe or if some of them were also sold in the US.

The battery capacity upgrade situation for the 2023 Standard Range Model S and Model X remains unclear. While both of these vehicles physically had Tesla’s Long Range battery, Tesla did not give owners a clear public option to unlock the range of the Standard Model S or Model X for an upgrade fee. Since Model S and Model X have since become legacy/discontinued new-vehicle products, this is mostly a used-market curiosity at this point rather than a current buying path.

Model 3/Y Software-Based Battery Upgrades

The battery of the 2019 Model 3 SR (Standard Range) was sold as a software-limited version of Model 3 SR+. Historically, Tesla has offered an upgrade to this battery pack (as a software unlock) for around $2,000 when available.

Some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles have also been built with packs that are software-limited below their physical capacity. These situations are highly dependent on build date, region, battery supplier, pack type, and what Tesla decides to offer through the app.

Tesla also made battery unlocks for some Standard Range Model Y vehicles available in 2024, with reported pricing around $1,000-$1,600 and estimated range increases of roughly 30-50 miles, depending on the vehicle and battery. If you have one of these vehicles, the cleanest way to confirm eligibility is still the Tesla app, not a forum thread or a seller’s listing description.

One important 2026 note: Tesla’s current Model 3/Y lineup and naming have continued to shift, including newer Standard/Premium-style naming and different battery configurations. Don’t assume a newer “standard” Tesla has hidden extra range just because an older software-limited car did. Always check the vehicle’s actual upgrade screen and battery information.

Tesla Warranty Replacement Battery Packs

Many warranty replacements for the Model S and Model X were carried out with software-limited packs. A number of owners reported receiving replacement packs that were actually 90 kWh, even in vehicles that previously had 60 kWh packs. This could be true for any replacement pack, so it’s worth your time to check out the sticker on any battery pack installed as a warranty replacement.

Just remember: a larger physical pack does not automatically mean your car has access to the full capacity. Tesla’s software still determines what the vehicle can actually use.

Former Tesla CPO or Used Inventory Vehicles

Some vehicles sold through Tesla’s CPO or Used Inventory program may have had software-limited batteries that aren’t on this list. For example, there could be an outlier situation where Tesla swapped the battery pack of a used Model S 60 and replaced it with a software-limited 90 kWh battery. One way to check whether or not your Tesla is one of these outliers is to take a look at the battery sticker on your Tesla’s battery pack.

Tesla Battery Upgrade Via Replacement

Tesla Service Centers do not generally offer physical battery replacement upgrades as a normal menu item (unless it’s incidental during a warranty repair, etc.), but some battery packs can be swapped out for packs with a larger capacity by a qualified third-party installer. Let’s take a look at the possible swaps:

Tesla Battery Upgrade: Model S and Model X

Because of their age, the Model S and Model X are currently the most likely Teslas to need an upgrade or replacement battery. You’ll find that Tesla-focused repair and battery upgrade centers will be more familiar with these models (particularly the Model S).

Possible battery upgrades for the Model X and S include:

  • Model S 60 kWh pack upgraded to the 75 kWh pack
  • Model S/X 75 kWh pack upgraded to the 85 kWh or 90 kWh pack
  • Model S/X 85 kWh pack upgraded to the 90 kWh pack

According to older Tesla guidance and third-party installer experience, the upgrade battery that tends to work best in many of these scenarios is the 90 kWh battery pack.

Can you upgrade an earlier Model S or Model X to the 100 kWh battery pack?

Yes, you can potentially upgrade an earlier Model S or X to the 100 kWh battery, but the upgrade is not recommended. While compatibility is technically possible, structural modifications may be required to make the larger, heavier pack fit into an earlier Tesla. Even with upgraded control arms, suspension, and other supporting changes, an older Tesla may still not be considered safe with the heavier pack installed.

In plain English: just because a pack can be made to fit does not mean it is a smart upgrade.

Tesla Battery Upgrade: Model 3 and Model Y

The Model 3 has gone through several battery sizes and chemistries. Earlier packs may be roughly 50 kWh, 60/62 kWh, 70 kWh, 75 kWh, 82 kWh, or LFP depending on year, trim, region, and supplier. Some earlier Model 3 packs can potentially be physically upgraded to a larger pack, but a Tesla Model 3 battery upgrade may require additional hardware, suspension, software, and compatibility work.

The Model Y has also used multiple pack types, including 2170 packs, LFP packs in some markets/configurations, and limited structural 4680 packs. Some true 75 kWh Model Y packs may be upgradable to 82 kWh packs, but again, this depends on the exact car and pack.

Note: while the Model Y structural battery pack from Giga Texas technically still has replaceable battery components, the teardown and rebuild process is extensive. Structural packs are not something most owners should think of as a simple battery upgrade path. It’s a good idea to know whether your Model Y has one of these structural packs, but it is not a reason to assume an easy upgrade will be available when the warranty eventually expires.

What About Cybertruck Battery Upgrades?

Cybertruck is still too new for a meaningful out-of-warranty battery upgrade market. It uses a large structural 4680-based high-voltage battery system and a different electrical architecture than older Teslas, including a 48V low-voltage system.

Could Cybertruck battery swaps or upgrades exist someday? Maybe. But in 2026, it is too early to treat Cybertruck battery upgrades as a realistic consumer option. If Cybertruck range or battery health is a concern, your best path is Tesla warranty coverage, Tesla Service diagnostics, or simply buying the configuration that already fits your needs.

How Much Does a Tesla Battery Upgrade Cost?

For “uncorking” a software-locked battery, Tesla battery upgrades cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. These prices vary according to the battery pack and to whatever Tesla feels like charging at the moment (which can change quickly). The cheapest upgrades are for battery packs that are no longer in production and may require you to ask a service center for assistance. Please note that the cheaper upgrades may also have very little effect on your actual range after an unlock because that extra capacity has also been subject to degradation over time.

A physical upgrade cost varies widely depending on how much outside assistance you need and what battery pack you are able to source.

For a professional upgrade service, you can expect anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000+, with the upper end reserved for more complicated swaps, difficult-to-source packs, extensive diagnostics, supporting hardware, or unusual 100 kWh projects. Some businesses give you a credit for your old battery pack, which they can refurbish or resell.

For a more in-depth look at physical Tesla battery replacement costs, which should be similar to the cost of an upgrade, check out our article on Tesla battery replacement costs.

How to Upgrade the Battery in Your Tesla

Option #1: Upgrade Your Battery through the Tesla App

Options for upgrading battery capacity (or removing the software lock on a software-limited battery) are specific to each Tesla. You can view the options for your vehicle by opening the Tesla app and choosing “Upgrades” in the menu.

If the option to unlock a Tesla battery (that you are pretty sure is a software-locked pack) is not present on the Tesla app or through the Tesla’s in-vehicle menu option, you can talk to a service center rep to see if the unlock is still possible. Some previous software unlocks may need to be done by Tesla Service. Ultimately, the decision to allow a software upgrade to unlock extra capacity is up to Tesla.

Note: third-party software unlocks of a Tesla’s battery can lose you the ability/permission to use Tesla Superchargers or may have your DC fast charging capability disabled by Tesla due to what might be considered a safety concern. Be certain that you are willing to risk losing Supercharging capability if you go a third-party route for software upgrades.

Option #2: Find a Tesla Upgrade Expert

We’re fans of the Tesla battery expert option for non-warranty replacements and upgrades with Tesla’s HV batteries. An expert will already have access to the kinds of tools that make a Tesla battery pack replacement go smoothly. They have diagnostic software, forklifts, battery gurneys, and HV training that can help them get the job done in a safe and timely manner.

These companies can also diagnose (and, often, also repair) other issues with your Tesla’s battery pack and HV system while working on your upgrade that you might not notice until the project is already underway. Even better, some will also guarantee their work on your Tesla, so you don’t have to worry about an upgrade costing thousands for nothing.

Some of the EV service shops that we would recommend for Tesla battery upgrades:

  • EV Rides LLC services battery and motor issues for the 2012-2016 Model S at their Portland, Oregon facility (they’re also experts at providing battery upgrades for the Nissan LEAF).
  • Gruber Motor Company, located in Phoenix, Arizona. They specialize in all repairs relating to the Tesla Roadster, but they also have extensive knowledge of Tesla’s other vehicles, particularly the Model S and X.
  • The Electrified Garage, located in Massachusetts and Florida. Their team is experienced in Tesla battery removal, replacement, and upgrades, along with a wealth of repair knowledge for Tesla’s HV systems.

Ready to Upgrade Your Tesla Battery?

If you are ready to contact a professional Tesla upgrade service, check out EVRidesLLC.com. They offer Tesla battery upgrades at their Portland, Oregon facility. EV Rides sources healthy Tesla batteries and has Model S/3/X/Y upgrade experience to make the swap as smooth as possible.

Not a Tesla owner yet? If you’re looking for a Tesla model to upgrade, be sure to check out our used Tesla listings. Use our top-tier filtering system to narrow your choices down by model year and battery pack size to get started on your upgrade journey.

Driving a Tesla that no longer meets your range needs, but don’t feel like trying to upgrade it? We’ve got you covered: register here to start a free or Featured listing and get an EV Cash Offer from a trusted EV dealer today (pro tip: you can do both at the same time!).

Bonus: Can You Upgrade the 12V Battery on a Tesla?

Most questions about upgrading a Tesla’s battery involve the high voltage battery pack. However, some owners may also want to upgrade their Tesla’s small lead-acid 12V battery to a lithium-ion battery that may live several times longer.

Model S/X

Many older Model S and Model X vehicles used a traditional 12V lead-acid low-voltage battery. Some owners upgrade these older cars to an aftermarket lithium-ion 12V battery, but compatibility matters, and brackets, monitoring, or fitment can vary.

Newer Teslas use Tesla’s OEM lithium-ion low-voltage battery, but Tesla’s small OEM lithium-ion battery is a 16V unit rather than a normal 12V battery. That means Tesla’s OEM 16V battery is not a drop-in replacement for an older 12V lead-acid car.

Model 3/Y

Most 2018-2021 Model 3s and 2020-2021 Model Ys manufactured before Tesla’s low-voltage battery transition use a 12V lead-acid battery, and owners can upgrade them to an aftermarket lithium-ion 12V battery if they choose. Again, because Tesla’s OEM low-voltage lithium-ion battery is a 16V system, these batteries cannot replace the older 12V lead-acid batteries.

Later Model 3s and Model Ys use a 16V lithium-ion battery to power the vehicle’s low-voltage systems. This means that most newer Model 3s and Model Ys don’t need an upgrade option for the low-voltage battery; they’re already using Tesla’s newer low-voltage battery setup.

Cybertruck

Cybertruck is different again. It uses a 48V lithium-ion low-voltage battery, not the older 12V lead-acid setup and not the same 16V low-voltage setup used in many newer Model 3/Y vehicles. Do not assume low-voltage battery advice for older Teslas applies to Cybertruck.