How Much Does Battery For a Car Cost?

Car owners in Canada must be wary of the extreme climatic conditions. Regardless of how well you maintain your vehicle, you need to get the batteries replaced from time to time.

So, it’s natural to wonder, ‘How much is the battery for a car?’ Well, a lot of it depends on the type of battery your car uses.

Traditionally, cars in Canada used lead-acid batteries. However, many contemporary vehicles come with the absorbed glass mat battery. On the other hand, electric vehicles come with a totally different battery mechanism.

So, when you wonder how much a new battery for a car, it’s easy to land up in a dilemma. Given that insurance companies don’t generally cover such batteries, you need to fork out the entire amount when you get them replaced. Reach out to a reputed insurance brokerage like Surex to find more information about affordable insurance packages.

What is the cost of an EV battery?

Well, electric vehicles are currently the trend. So, let’s talk about the cost of an EV battery at the outset. Depending on the vehicle, the battery would cost you between $3,000 and $18,000 in Canada.

Now that this range is too broad, you would be interested to know how much is the battery for the car exactly. For branded vehicles, the battery replacement cost would be higher. To give you a better idea, here’s an estimate of the cost of replacing an EV battery.

• Tesla Model 3/Model S: For electric cars from reputed brands like Tesla, be prepared to shell out around $12,000 to $15,000 for the battery. While the battery would cost around $13,000, you also need to factor in the labor charges for the replacement.
• Nissan Leaf: As a Nissan Leaf owner, you need to pay around $5,000 on average to get the battery replaced. While the battery price ranges between $3,500 and $9,500, the exact price depends on your vehicle’s configuration. However, some dealerships may charge you even higher if you switch out the existing battery.
• Chevrolet Volt: Chevrolet Volt continues to be one of the most popular hybrid vehicles in the Canadian market. Replacing this car’s battery would require around $3,000 to $9,000.

Replacing a battery for your EV won’t be too cheap. So, it’s logical to get a car with the manufacturer’s warranty long enough. Some brands offer a 100K-mile warranty, while others offer coverage for eight years.

In case your battery is as old as your automobile insurance, the insurer might be overcharging you. Reach out to established insurance brokers to slash your auto insurance premiums.

Cost of lead-acid and AGM batteries

The cost of lead-acid and glass mat batteries in traditional cars in Canada range between $100 and $400. While lead-acid batteries are on the lower end, AGM batteries would cost you much more.

AGM batteries contain a glass mat separator that enables the electrolyte solution to travel between the battery plates. This makes them easy to recharge multiple times. With sophistication dominating the automotive industries, automakers are gradually integrating the latest vehicles with these batteries. These powerful batteries cater to the high electric power requirements of high-tech vehicles. On average, these batteries should serve you for five years. However, a lot depends on your driving habits and how you maintain your car.

What do car batteries do?

The battery of your car serves as a device to store energy. The chemical reaction in these batteries generates adequate power to run the required operations. Depending on the purpose of the battery, you can use it to operate your car’s starter motor, fuel system, or ignition system. When the engine keeps running, it receives electricity from the alternator. So, the battery in traditional cars is necessary only to start the vehicle.

In electric cars, you will come across a traction battery. This is in addition to the normal battery of 12 volts. The function of traction batteries is to produce electrical energy from chemical energy. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) monitors traction batteries since they work at higher voltages.

Is it time to get your car battery replaced?

Now that you know “how much is a battery for a car?”, it’s important to understand the right time to get it replaced.

1. Unable to start your car

A fully functional battery comes with a particular capacity for supplying power, known as the battery’s cranking amps rating. This rating keeps declining as the vehicle becomes old. At one point, you won’t be able to start your car using the old battery. Get the car battery replaced after consulting a mechanic.

2. Illuminated warning light for charging system

The illumination of the warning light or the charging system in your car is a clear indicator of the poor health of the battery. Your automobile mechanic would carry out some tests to determine whether or not you need to get the battery replaced. Accordingly, you need to replace the existing battery.

3. Malfunctioning electrical components

Malfunctioning electrical components in your car also point to a possible battery replacement. When the battery fails, the voltage keeps dropping. Then you would find electrical components like the security system failing. It’s crucial to get the battery tested in case you encounter problems with the electrical components of your vehicle.

How much is the battery for a car? — Endnote

Before we wind up, here’s something crucial for you. Often, car owners wonder whether it’s safe to continue driving with a weak battery. While there’s no immediate safety hazard, experts recommend not driving with a drained battery.

A problematic battery exerts pressure on the alternator, which can adversely affect your car’s electrical system. Ultimately, this can damage your car’s shift interlock and security system. To be safer, make sure to replace a weak or drained battery at the earliest.

In case you end up damaging a component of your car, check out whether your auto insurance covers the same. Reputable insurance brokers can help you find the most affordable policies.