---
title: "2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 Battery Size and CCA"
description: "The 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 uses a BCI group 85B24LS (JIS; 12V 45 Ah) through ~Nov 2021 production; 16V Li-ion after battery. Fitment, replacement notes, and what to check before you buy."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/battery"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 Battery Size (BCI Group and CCA)

The 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 uses a BCI group 85B24LS (JIS; 12V 45 Ah) through ~Nov 2021 production; 16V Li-ion after battery. Fitment, replacement notes, and what to check before you buy.

**Quick answer**: The 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 uses a Group 85B24LS (JIS; 12V 45 Ah) through ~Nov 2021 production; 16V Li-ion after battery.

## 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 battery specifications (High confidence)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| BCI group size | 85B24LS (JIS; 12V 45 Ah) through ~Nov 2021 production; 16V Li-ion after |
| Battery type | FLOODED |
| AGM required | No |
| Location | Front compartment, behind the cabin-intake trim panel at the base of the windshield |

Note: This is the low-voltage accessory battery only, separate from the high-voltage pack. Cars manufactured before approximately December 2021 use a sealed 85B24LS 12V 45 Ah lead-acid battery (Tesla sells the OEM replacement for roughly $85-$130; typical life 3-4 years, and the car will warn on screen when it is failing. Replace promptly or the car can be bricked shut). Cars manufactured after approximately December 2021 (late-build MY2022-2023) instead have a Tesla 16V Li-ion low-voltage battery (15.5 V / 6.9 Ah, part 1598486-00-x) that Tesla says is designed to last the life of the vehicle. Check Controls > Software or the battery label to confirm which you have before buying parts. After replacing, run Learn New Battery from the service menu on supported firmware.

## Which Tesla Model 3 model years does this cover?

These battery specifications apply to every Tesla Model 3 built from 2017 through 2023, the 1st generation (original, pre-Highland), compact ev sedan. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years.

- [2017 Model 3](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017)
- [2018 Model 3](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2018)
- [2019 Model 3](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2019)
- [2020 Model 3](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2020)
- [2021 Model 3](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2021)
- [2022 Model 3](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2022)
- [2023 Model 3](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2023)

## What changed during the 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2017 | US deliveries began July 2017, Long Range RWD only (310 mi), 18-in Aero or 19-in Sport wheels |
| 2018 | Dual Motor Long Range AWD and Performance added mid-year; Mid Range RWD (264 mi) added in October |
| 2019 | Standard Range and Standard Range Plus launch (Feb); Long Range RWD and Mid Range dropped during the year; Autopilot made standard |
| 2021 | Major running refresh: heat pump replaces the PTC heater, chrome delete, powered trunk, new center console, double-pane front glass, 82 kWh pack on LR/Performance, ranges rise (SR+ 263 mi, LR 353 mi, Performance 315 mi) |
| 2022 | SR+ renamed 'RWD' with a 272-mi LFP battery (charge to 100% weekly). Cars built after ~Dec 2021 switch the 12V lead-acid accessory battery for a 16V Li-ion unit |
| 2023 | Final year of the original body; carryover, with the original-generation production ending late 2023 for the Highland changeover |

## 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 battery: common questions

### What size battery does a 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 take?

BCI group 85B24LS (JIS; 12V 45 Ah) through ~Nov 2021 production; 16V Li-ion after. Group size is a physical dimension and terminal-position standard, so a battery from a different group may not clamp down or may put the terminals on the wrong side.

### Does the 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 need an AGM battery?

The factory battery is a conventional flooded type. AGM is a valid upgrade, but never downgrade from AGM to flooded.

### Where is the battery on a 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3?

Front compartment, behind the cabin-intake trim panel at the base of the windshield.

### Does a 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 need the battery registered after replacement?

This is the low-voltage accessory battery only, separate from the high-voltage pack. Cars manufactured before approximately December 2021 use a sealed 85B24LS 12V 45 Ah lead-acid battery (Tesla sells the OEM replacement for roughly $85-$130; typical life 3-4 years, and the car will warn on screen when it is failing. Replace promptly or the car can be bricked shut). Cars manufactured after approximately December 2021 (late-build MY2022-2023) instead have a Tesla 16V Li-ion low-voltage battery (15.5 V / 6.9 Ah, part 1598486-00-x) that Tesla says is designed to last the life of the vehicle. Check Controls > Software or the battery label to confirm which you have before buying parts. After replacing, run Learn New Battery from the service menu on supported firmware.

## Sources

- [Tesla DIY Guide, Replacing the Low Voltage Lead-Acid Battery (85B24LS spec, Li-ion transition dates)](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Public/diy/model3/en_us/GUID-2588F809-41E3-43F1-84E5-6745C7C18DBE.html)
- [Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual, Maintenance Service Intervals](https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/model3/en_us/GUID-E95DAAD9-646E-4249-9930-B109ED7B1D91.html)
- [Tesla Support, Vehicle Maintenance (cabin filter, brake fluid, desiccant, rotation intervals)](https://www.tesla.com/support/vehicle-maintenance)
- [Tesla DIY Guide, Replacing Wiper Blades (26 in / 19 in)](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Public/diy/model3/en_us/GUID-949BFDA4-8D73-43A6-AAA5-98AE1129AC25.html)
- [Tesla DIY Guide, Replacing Cabin Filters](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Public/diy/model3/en_us/GUID-DB0A1E3C-926E-498C-A2FD-A27B8421A471.html)
- [NHTSA Part 573 report, recall 22V-702 (window automatic reversal)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V702-4365.PDF)
- [NHTSA ODI resume, investigation PE22-002 (unexpected brake activation, 2021-2022 Model 3/Y)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2022/INOA-PE22002-4385.PDF)
- [Consumer Reports, Tesla heat pump recall 22V-050 details](https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/tesla-recall-faulty-heat-pump-loss-of-heating-a5384954255/)
- [Wheel-Size.com, 2018 Tesla Model 3 OE fitments and 42 psi pressures](https://www.wheel-size.com/size/tesla/model-3/2018/)
- [Tesla Model Y/3 Owner's Manual, Wheels and Tires (129 ft-lb lug torque)](https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/modely/en_eu/GUID-FDDB10EF-FFA9-46EB-B8CC-03614AE92B6B.html)
- [Tesla Motors Club, 16V Li-ion low-voltage battery (15.5 V / 6.9 Ah) documentation thread](https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/made-in-china-model-y-has-15-5-lithium-battery-to-replace-12v-lead-acid.248076/)

## Other Tesla Model 3 generations

- [2024-2025 Tesla Model 3 battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2024-2025/battery)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/battery).

## More for the 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3

- [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/oil)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/common-problems)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2017-2023/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.