How Much is a Car Battery?
Learn about how much car batteries cost on average and the factors which can impact their price right here with Savvy.
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Car batteries play a vital role in the smooth functioning of your vehicle, providing the necessary power to start the engine and run various electrical systems. However, like all car components, they have a limited lifespan and will eventually require replacement.
If you're wondering how much a car battery costs in Australia, you can learn valuable insights and factors that influence the price right here in Savvy’s comprehensive guide.
How much do car batteries cost on average?
On average, a standard 12-volt car battery will likely cost you around $100 to $150. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a premium battery, you may need to pay closer to $450 on average (and upwards of $1,000 in some cases), while second-hand batteries may set you back as little as $40. However, it’s important to note that there’s a range of factors which go into determining the cost of purchasing and installing a new battery in your car.
Prices correct as of 2023.
What factors affect the cost of car batteries in Australia?
Car batteries often last from three to five years, so you’ll likely need to replace yours at some point. The main factors to keep in mind which may influence the amount you pay for your car’s new battery are:
- Type of battery: as mentioned, whether you choose to purchase a standard or premium battery will have a direct impact on its cost. This also extends to whether you’re purchasing new or second-hand, with the latter being cheaper but potentially coming with a shorter lifespan.
- Size of vehicle: larger cars require larger batteries to operate, so you can expect to pay more for a battery for a 4WD, for instance, compared to a standard passenger car like a mid-sized sedan.
- Type of vehicle: the type of vehicle you buy and the features it has installed or added may call for a more powerful battery. For instance, luxury vehicles may have further features which place a strain on your battery, meaning you may require a more expensive one to cope. It may simply be the case that certain vehicles only take a certain type of battery, limiting your options to more expensive ones.
- Age of vehicle: as technology evolves and adapts, newer cars have different requirements than older models. Because of this, batteries for older vehicles may not cost as much as they do for new models.
- Installation costs: another key factor to consider is what it costs to install the battery. If you’re getting this done at a mechanic, it’s worth checking whether the cost of labour is included in the price of the battery or if fees are charged separately. You may be able to save money by changing the battery yourself if you’re comfortable doing so.
- Battery warranty: the warranty on your car’s battery can also impact its cost, with longer warranties generally bringing up the cost. In this situation, it’s worth balancing the upfront cost with the potential saving and peace of mind if issues occur within the warranty period.
How much does it cost to replace the battery in an electric car?
Because the battery pack in an electric car is more like an engine than a battery in a petrol vehicle, you can expect to pay much more for its replacement. According to BloombergNEF, the cost of battery packs for electric cars increased to approximately $226 per kWh in 2022. This means that a 40kWh battery pack would, on average, cost around $9,040.
It's important to note that these prices are expected to become more affordable over the coming years as the number of electric vehicles on the road increases, meaning you may not have to pay as much to replace them. However, because of its greater importance compared to a petrol car battery, the cost will still likely be far greater regardless of this fact.
