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Where Is the Tesla Battery Located In the Car?

Reviewed by

Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Summary

The high-voltage battery connections and contactors are under the rear seat cushion. Do not go there at all. Meanwhile, the low-voltage battery can be found under the cabin intake duct, which is covered by the underhood apron.
For a routine 12V battery swap, Tesla’s official service manuals only require disconnecting the 12V system itself, provided no HV components are being touched.
Open the front trunk and remove the plastic cover at the base of the windshield to access the 12-volt battery.

Extreme caution: Do not try to remove the high-voltage battery. The battery is filled with coolant and high voltage and is extremely heavy and dangerous. Don’t even jack the car up using a floor jack like you would other cars or you can destroy the battery and set fire to the car.

tesla 3 battery location diagram — Diagram showing the high-voltage battery on a Tesla 3 | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

The high-voltage battery connection points and contactors on a Tesla 3 are in a housing under the rear seat cushion, but the rest of the battery forms the entire lower floorpan of the vehicle (see illustration).

The low-voltage 12-volt battery, which is the focus of this article, can be found under the center of the cabin intake duct in front of the windshield.

Tips On How to Access a Tesla Battery

For a routine 12V battery swap, Tesla’s official service manuals often only require disconnecting the 12V system itself, provided no HV components are being touched.

12 volt battery in tesla 3 — To access the 12-volt battery on a Tesla 3, you open the “frunk” (front trunk) and remove the plastic cover at the base of the windshield. You’ll see the 12 volt battery there. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

About The Authors

Written By

CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Reviewed By

Richard McCuistian

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.