Why Are Car Batteries So Expensive? (11 Reasons Why)

Have you recently purchased a car battery and noticed the price has increased quite a bit? Are you wondering: why are car batteries so expensive?

I’ve been researching this topic and have found several reasons why car batteries are so expensive, so continue reading below to find out what’s causing the price increase!

Why Are Car Batteries So Expensive?

Car batteries are expensive because they have to be made using a strong container that can protect the dangerous internal components from becoming a hazard. EPA regulations have become stricter, leading to manufacturers changing their batteries to adhere to the standards. New car batteries have computer chips, and new technology is more expensive.

Do you want to know additional reasons why car batteries are so expensive? If so, continue reading as I’ll tell you the top 11 reasons why the prices are so high!

1. Waste Due To Short Shelf Life

There is a lot of waste when it comes to car batteries since after sitting on the shelf for six months, the battery can begin to deteriorate, although it can still be sold in stores.

Further, when there is waste anywhere, including with car batteries, it will cause the price of the batteries to go up, especially if a significant amount of waste is involved.

However, if you have picked a battery outside of the six-month shelf life, you should ask about a discount on the battery since it won’t last as long as a freshly-produced one.

2. The Container Used To Hold The Battery

The container used to hold the battery has to be made of strong material since there are dangerous components inside the battery, such as lead and acid.

Therefore, part of the price of a car battery comes down to the strong container material that has to be used to ensure the safety of those dangerous internal battery components.

3. Bigger Batteries Are Required Today

If you have a newer car, then you know that the battery will cost more than a battery of a 20-year-old car, which comes down to the fact that bigger batteries are required today.

For example, there are computer chips and other components found in car batteries of the newer cars, which didn’t exist years ago, which means the battery has to be bigger overall.

4. More Extensive Research & Development

Since car batteries these days utilize computer chips and more innovative technologies, it requires more extensive research and development to manufacture them.

Therefore, the more research goes into a product, the higher the costs, which are passed down to the consumer in the retail price charged for purchasing it.

5. The Lifespan Of Car Batteries

The lifespan of car batteries is one factor why car batteries are so expensive since they are expected to continue running for years.

For example, the car battery is expected to charge and then discharge several times over for years, so you’re paying for a reliable battery that will work properly without hiccups.

6. Electric Vehicle Batteries Use Lithium-Ion

If you have an electric vehicle, you’re going to be paying a higher price for that battery than a regular lead-acid battery since it’s using a lithium-ion battery that’s rechargeable.

To illustrate, you know that if you purchase regular rechargeable batteries, they cost you more than a pack of traditional batteries, and the batteries for electric vehicles are similar to that.

Furthermore, these lithium-ion batteries hold a much bigger charge than traditional types of batteries, so that is what you’re paying for and why these kinds are more expensive.

7. Has To Withstand Various Elements

Car batteries are expensive because they have to withstand snow, heat, extreme cold, wind, rain, and other environmental elements, which increases the price.

8. It’s A Required Component To A Car

One reason car batteries are so expensive is that it’s a required component for your vehicle to run, which means companies know you’ll pay whatever they charge because you have to.

For example, a company can raise the price of the battery you need from $40 to $200, and you’ll still pay it regardless because you can’t start your car without it.

9. EPA Regulations Have Become More Strict

The Environmental Protection Agency has stricter regulations in place now than several years ago for batteries, which has caused an increase in the price of car batteries.

Furthermore, as the regulations become tighter, the car battery manufacturers have to adjust and adhere to them, so changing rules leads to a jump in car battery prices.

10. It’s A Low Maintenance Product

We rely on our car batteries to work anytime we want to drive our vehicles, and it’s the low maintenance aspect of car batteries that cause the price to increase over time.

Additionally, the car battery will function as it should without any work required from you, so you are paying for this freedom of not worrying about doing anything to the battery.

11. It’s A Higher-Quality Car Battery

If you’ve noticed that some car batteries are more expensive, it’s likely because the components of that battery are of higher quality, which means it’ll protect you better and likely last longer.

For example, a higher-quality car battery contains components that can protect you against cracks, leaks, and current fluctuations, which not all the cheap batteries safeguard against.

Therefore, when you look at a car battery, the more expensive ones will be safer and could last well outside the average three to five-year lifespan of a car battery.

To learn more, you can also read our posts on why BMW oil changes are so expensive, why Mini Cooper oil changes are so expensive, and why Subaru oil changes are so expensive.

Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering why car batteries are so expensive, you should consider that higher-quality car batteries contain better components that protect against more problems.

Additionally, electric vehicle car batteries use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is more expensive to produce than the lead-acid battery found in traditional vehicles.

On top of that, the shelf life of a car battery is about six months, and when there is waste regarding batteries, it leads to a higher cost for the customer.