The owner of a high-mileage Tesla Model S has made a significant upgrade to his electric vehicle by swapping out the original battery for a larger, higher-capacity one. This upgrade has not only increased the usable driving range by 50%, but has also made the 10-year-old EV a much more practical and efficient car to drive.
The Tesla Model S is known for being a spacious, luxurious, and relatively affordable electric vehicle. However, as the first-generation models age, their real-world driving range may start to diminish. This is where upgrades like the one done by Alex from Out of Spec Renew come into play.
Alex swapped the battery in his 470,000-mile Tesla Model S 70D for a bigger pack, which cost him $8,500 plus an additional $1,000 for shipping. While he didn’t have to pay for labor due to owning an EV repair shop, he estimates that the average Model S or Model X owner looking to do the same upgrade should expect to pay around $12,000 in total.
The decision to upgrade the battery ultimately depends on the cost of the new pack and the condition of the old one. In some cases, the trade-in value of the old battery can help offset the cost of the upgrade. For Alex, the improved range of about 300 miles on a full charge, compared to the original 200 miles, has made the upgrade well worth it. The faster charging speeds of the new battery also add to the overall usability of the EV.
Additionally, Alex’s Model S came with unlimited Supercharging, making it an ideal choice for road trips now that it can travel more than 200 miles between charges. With used first-gen Model S prices ranging from $6,000 to $20,000, this battery upgrade presents a cost-effective way to extend the lifespan and usability of an older EV.
Overall, this upgrade serves as a testament to the longevity and versatility of electric vehicles. By investing in a battery upgrade, owners can breathe new life into their aging EVs and continue to enjoy the benefits of electric driving for years to come.