Tesla ESA vs XCare Premium: Extended Warranty Coverage Comparison for Tesla
8/20/2025 / Guy O'Brien
Coverage Scope
Tesla ESA
Tesla ESA Tesla’s ESA is a month-to-month subscription that starts after the New Vehicle Basic Limited Warranty expires. It covers repair or replacement of most mechanical and electrical parts originally supplied by Tesla that fail under normal use. The ESA specifically excludes the manufacturer Battery & Drive Unit, which remain covered only under Tesla’s manufacturer Battery & Drive Unit Warranty (within limits defined at the model level). Repairs under the ESA must be performed at a Tesla Service Center.
XCare Premium
XCare Premium XCare Premium is a fixed-term vehicle service contract that also covers repairs or replacements of most mechanical and electrical components — including coverage for the manufacturer Battery & Drive Unit on eligible vehicles (current +7 model years, <100,000 miles, and equipped with a battery thermal management system). XCare Premium allows repairs at Tesla Service Centers and most third-party approved facilities, providing more choice of service locations.
Battery & Drive Unit Components
Tesla ESA
Tesla’s ESA does not extend past the manufacturer Battery & Drive Unit Warranty. These components remain covered only under the manufacturer’s separate Battery & Drive Unit Warranty, which has specific mileage and time limits depending on model (typically 8 years or 100,000–150,000 miles).
XCare Premium
XCare Premium XCare Premium, if the vehicle meets eligibility criteria, continues to cover the manufacturer Battery & Drive Unit beyond the factory warranty for the duration of the specific term length selected at the time of purchase. Coverage remains in effect throughout the chosen term, potentially reducing exposure to high-cost repairs on these components.
Roadside Assistance
Tesla ESA
Tesla ESA Tesla’s ESA includes basic roadside assistance, available through the Tesla app. Services include:
• Battery depletion towing (costs may apply)
• Flat tire assistance (up to 50 miles if Tesla replaces the tire)
• Lockout service
• Towing to the nearest Tesla Service Center (within 500 miles)
• Coverage must be performed at Tesla Service Centers.
XCare Premium
XCare Premium XCare Premium provides a broader roadside assistance program that includes:
• Battery depletion towing under XCare Premium is covered to the nearest repair facility or charging location, subject to standard program distance limits (generally within 50 miles of disablement).
• Flat tire change with your provided spare, or towing to nearest Discount Tire (with 10% discount)
• In the event of a covered breakdown, payment or reimbursement for receipted expenses for a replacement vehicle (licensed rental agency) or alternate public transportation while the vehicle is at a licensed repair facility (maximum $50/day, $250 per repair visit)
• Live customer service calls with experienced support staff
• Lockout service
• Portable EV battery jump-start
• Towing to Tesla Service Centers and approved licensed EV repair facilities
• Trip interruption reimbursement applies if the vehicle becomes inoperable due to a covered breakdown and is located more than 100 miles from the owner’s home. This benefit provides up to $200 per day, for up to 5 days, not to exceed $1,000 total, for meals and lodging during the repair period.
• Coverage may be performed at a Tesla Service Center or an Approved Licensed EV Service Center.
Feature | Tesla ESA | XCare Premium |
Term | Month-to-month subscription | Fixed-term contract |
Where Repairs Are Done | Tesla Service Centers only | Tesla or approved third-party shops |
Battery & Drive Unit | Not covered beyond factory warranty | Covered (if vehicle qualifies) |
Roadside Assistance | Basic services through Tesla app | Broader services with trip interruption benefits |
Payment Structure | Monthly fee, can cancel with notice (no refund after 60 days) | One-time payment or interest-free financing; refundable on a pro-rated basis if canceled |
Eligibility | Must subscribe before factory warranty expires; only if bought New from Tesla | Available for vehicles up to 10 years old & under 125,000 miles; New or Used purchases allowed |
Deductibles | $100 per repair visit | Choice of $0, $100, or $500 per visit |
If Coverage Lapses | Cannot requalify if canceled | Term stays active until contract ends |
Both Tesla ESA and XCare Premium offer ways to extend coverage beyond Tesla’s factory warranty — but they’re designed with different priorities in mind.
Tesla ESA: Flexible month-to-month subscription, limited to repairs at Tesla Service Centers, no Battery or Drive Unit coverage, and only available to original owners who bought their car new.
XCare Premium: Fixed-term contract, includes Battery and Drive Unit for eligible vehicles, allows repairs at Tesla or approved third-party shops, and available to both new and used car owners.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the plan that best matches your driving habits, budget, and peace of mind.
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