Tesla announces eight-year warranty for Australia

Electric carmaker Tesla has introduced an eight-year new car warranty in Australia for its Model S and Model X vehicles.

The eight-year plan is the longest currently available on the market by duration, besting the excellent seven-year cover offered by Kia, as well as promotional warranty plans that span seven years from the likes of Holden. It is effective for vehicles purchased as of March 30, 2018.

However, the Tesla warranty cover doesn’t extend to unlimited kilometres. Tesla will back the Model S and Model X for the 96-month term or 160,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first. For context, Kia's plan is seven years/unlimited kilometres for private buyers.

Tesla's new eight-year warranty is for the vehicle itself, its electric components and mechanical parts - the electric drivetrain and battery cover remains at eight years/unlimited kilometres (with the exception of the original 60 kWh battery, which had an eight-year/200,000km warranty). 

Tesla says the warranty plan is designed to offer buyers “peace of mind over many years of ownership”, and could therefore encourage longer initial ownership of the brand’s sedan and SUV.

The US electric car giant will also offer roadside assistance for eight years as part of the ownership plan, and that cover includes ‘flat tyre support’, whereby a spare wheel/tyre will be exchanged for you. There is no spare wheel onboard the Model S or Model X. 

If you decide to sell before the period is up, the warranty plan can be taken up by the next owner. Simply, the cover is linked to the vehicle, not the owner. 

Tesla maintains the recommendation for owners to service their cars every 12 months or 20,000km - despite a lack of moving parts like a conventional car. According to its website FAQ section, if you fail to maintain your car, you won't void your new car warranty. 

Buyers will still have access to Tesla’s ‘over the air’ software updates as new technologies become available, provided they purchased their car with the required hardware. 

Existing owners are able to upgrade to an eight-year warranty, if they so choose. Until 30 March 2018, Tesla offered a four-year warranty.

Check out all 2018 Tesla Model S price and spec info here.

Check out all 2018 Tesla Model X price and spec info here.

Is an eight-year warranty enough to make you consider an electric car? Tell us what you think in the comments below.