MC Explainer | Tesla’s India entry puts spotlight on EV battery insurance: What it is and why it matters 

What is an EV battery, and why is it such a big deal in electric vehicles like Tesla?

The EV battery is the costliest component of any electric vehicle.

For most EVs in India, including Tesla, the battery accounts for 30–50 percent of the total vehicle cost, with two-wheeler batteries skewing closer to 40–50 percent due to smaller overall costs.

For the Tesla Model Y, which is expected to launch in India, the battery typically makes up around 35-40 percent of its cost globally, likely translating to Rs 8-12 lakh in India, depending on import duties and localisation plans, which is still unclear at the moment.

A battery powers the electric vehicle, and its health directly affects range, performance, and resale value.

A replacement battery for a Tesla could cost anywhere from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 10 lakh or more in India, again, depending on import duties.

This makes insuring the battery essential to protect against high out-of-pocket expenses due to degradation, accidental damage, or fires.

Who pays the premium for EV battery insurance, and what kind of coverage does it typically include?

In most cases, the vehicle owner pays the premium for EV battery insurance as part of their overall comprehensive motor insurance policy.

However, in certain scenarios such as fleet purchases, battery leasing models, or subscription-based EV ownership, the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or leasing company may share or cover the insurance cost, particularly for the battery component.

The coverage usually includes accidental damage, fire or thermal events, and water ingress, while optional add-ons may cover battery degradation, theft (in two-wheelers), and even software-related issues.

The structure and payer of the premium often depend on the ownership model and whether the battery is sold with the vehicle or separately under a lease or swap arrangement.

However, experts pointed out, the one type of battery loss that is usually not covered by default is degradation.

Battery degradation is the natural loss of capacity over time, and is generally not covered under standard policies.

What are the different EV battery covers available in India?

EV battery insurance in India is usually bundled within a comprehensive EV insurance policy, but the coverage often includes two layers.

‘Standard Own Damage (OD)’ covers battery damage resulting from accidents or collisions.

‘Add-on covers’ can be purchased for risks like thermal events (fire), water damage, or theft, especially relevant for two-wheelers with swappable or removable batteries.

Ajay Prabhu from Lockton India, an insurance brokerage firm said, most insurers in India still treat the EV battery as part of the whole vehicle, but this is beginning to change with more tailored products.

Why is creating specialised EV insurance products so challenging in India?

According to Prabhu from Lockton, developing EV-specific insurance products in India is complex due to several emerging challenges.

First, repair and replacement costs are extremely high, with EV batteries and power electronics requiring specialised tools and trained technicians, resources that remain limited in India.

Second, battery-related risks such as fire during charging, damage from pothole impacts, or water ingress pose serious safety concerns and often necessitate full replacement rather than repair, pushing up claims costs.

Third, India lacks historical data on EV usage and failures, unlike mature markets in Europe or China, making it difficult for insurers to underwrite risks accurately.

Additionally, products must align with evolving regulations under India’s Green Energy Transition program and global standards demanded by companies like Tesla.

India’s Green Energy Transition Program refers to the government’s broad policy push to shift the country away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner, sustainable energy sources, including electric mobility. This includes initiatives like the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme, PLI (Production Linked Incentive) for Advanced Chemistry Cell batteries, and ambitious targets for EV adoption and renewable energy generation.

For insurers and OEMs, this means products must not only support electrification but also comply with emerging norms around battery recycling, energy efficiency, carbon reporting, and end-of-life vehicle management.

Global players like Tesla will be required to align with these domestic frameworks while also maintaining their own international sustainability benchmarks.

Adding to the above, Prabhu said, fragmentation in charging infrastructure and lack of standardised servicing also create underwriting complexity.

How is EV battery insurance priced, and what influences the premium?

Pricing for EV battery insurance depends on several factors, experts said.

The value and chemistry of the battery play a major role. For instance, lithium-ion batteries with NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) or LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) compositions have different risk and cost profiles, with LFP generally being safer and more affordable.

The age of the vehicle and the length of the battery warranty are also critical. Manufacturers like Tesla offer 8-year warranties, which could reduce insurer liability and influence lower premiums.