When it comes to choosing an electric vehicle (EV), the driving range is one of the most important considerations. The driving ranges for Tesla’s EV models are among the longest on the market, so you do not need to have range anxiety. However, as with any EV, environmental conditions and your driving behaviors can affect a Tesla battery’s lifespan and efficiency.
How long do Tesla batteries last? In this article, Electrly looks at what affects their performance and how many miles you can expect. We also explain how you can extend a Tesla battery’s lifespan to maintain its full driving range for as long as possible.
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Contact ElectrlyWhat Is the Range for a Tesla After One Charge?
The distance you can drive a Tesla on a single charge depends on the vehicle model and how you drive. Tesla offers four models, each with two different variations.
Tesla’s Model S boasts an estimated 405-mile range on a full charge, while the Tesla Model 3 battery life has a range of between 272 to 358 miles depending on whether it is the standard, performance, or long-range configuration with real-wheel or all-wheel drive. Model X has a range of up to 351 miles, and Model Y has a range of up to 330 miles.
The company made upgrades to the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in 2022 that increased their ranges slightly, which can make all the difference to a journey.
| Tesla model | Battery size (kWh) | Driving range (miles) |
| Model S | 100 | 405 |
| Model S Plaid | 100 | 396 |
| Model 3 Long Range | 100 | 358 |
| Model 3 Performance | 78.1 | 315 |
| Model 3 | 60 | 272 |
| Model X | 100 | 351 |
| Model X Plaid | 100 | 333 |
| Model Y Long Range | 78.1 | 330 |
| Model Y Performance | 78.1 | 303 |
Tesla estimates its ranges based on driving conditions, such as how you accelerate and brake, similar to a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Aggressive driving will drain a battery faster than the estimate, whereas driving at a slower pace conserves energy and extends the range you can drive before needing to recharge.
You can charge your vehicle during long drives at Tesla supercharger stations or other charging points depending on your location.
The 4 million Tesla cars on the road typically drive only 30 miles daily, with 123 million miles traveled and 1.9 million daily charges. That indicates Tesla owners typically recharge their vehicles after driving around 65 miles.
Factors That Affect Tesla Battery Range
There are several factors that affect Tesla battery life, such as the size and type of the battery pack, how you drive the car, weather conditions, and ambient temperature. Understanding how they do so can help you to extend the length of time before you need to recharge the battery.
Battery size
EVs that have larger batteries typically have higher energy capacity and longer driving ranges than those with smaller batteries.
The Tesla Model S has a 100kWh battery that supports its 405-mile driving range, whereas the rear-wheel drive Model 3, which has a range of 272 miles, has a smaller 60kWh battery.
Vehicle model
The most efficient cars get more range from their batteries. The weight of the car, aerodynamics, powertrain efficiency and tire performance all affect how much power it uses, and in turn how long the battery lasts. Models that have Tesla’s newer powertrain technology and light frame use less electricity than a vehicle with older technology and heavier body, allowing them to run further on a single charge.
Battery type
Tesla has made the transition to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) batteries for some models, which also affects the range.
LFP batteries are cheaper and safer than NCM batteries as they do not contain cobalt or nickel. Still, they tend to have a lower energy density, resulting in less efficiency and a shorter driving range. However, LFP technologies have improved enough to be used in lower-end vehicles with shorter ranges.
Driving habits
You can have an influence over your EV’s range by adjusting your driving habits and the amount of power you draw from the battery. Driving at high speeds, driving uphill, stop-and-go driving in traffic, and making short journeys can strain the battery and reduce the distance it will last.
Environmental conditions
Batteries drain faster in cold weather, as low temperatures disrupt the chemical reactions that generate power and the vehicle uses more energy to heat the vehicle. As EVs are more efficient than cars with internal combustion engines, they generate less heat when they transmit power to the motor, so they use power to make extra heat.
High ambient temperatures cause stress on the battery that can result in overheating while running air conditioning uses more power. The battery can drain by around 2-3% per day at temperatures above 85°F. Temperatures around 70°F create optimal conditions.
How Long Do Tesla Batteries Last?
Tesla estimates that the average vehicle is scrapped after covering 200,000 miles in the US and 150,000 miles in Europe, while its batteries are designed to last 1,500 charging cycles or 300,000-500,000 miles depending on the configuration.
How many miles does a Tesla last in reality? A study based on real-life data submitted by Tesla EV owners between 2013 and 2022 showed that the average battery retains over 90% of its original driving range up to 100,000 miles covered.
The range began to drop faster over 125,000 miles but remained above 80%. The cars lost an average of 1% of their range each year for the first seven years. There was a larger decline starting in the eighth year, as the cars racked up higher mileage. Cars with over 200,000 miles covered still had a driving range of around 81-87%, equivalent to over 200 miles.
What Shortens the Life of a Tesla Battery?
There are some common factors that can shorten a Tesla lifespan, which you should avoid to make sure you get the longest possible driving range.
Extreme temperatures
As we have mentioned, environmental conditions have an impact on how quickly a Tesla battery drains. To limit this effect you should park the vehicle in the shade, for example in a covered garage, or use sun shades or car covers. Avoid leaving the car in extremely cold or hot locations for extended periods.
Overcharging and trickle charging
Regularly leaving the car plugged in after it has charged to 100% will damage the battery and shorten the lifespan of a Tesla battery over time by causing it to overheat. Equally, running the battery down to zero will produce heat and reduce its lifespan.
Frequent short drives
Taking more short-distance drives will reduce the battery capacity. Starting the engine consumes the most power, so driving short distances will increase how often the battery needs to be recharged and limit its range over the long term.
Faulty charging system
In rare cases, a Tesla can have a problem with its charging system that affects the operation of the alternator, which drains the battery. Problems such as loose belts can also affect power consumption. It is important to conduct regular maintenance on the car and get any problems fixed as soon as possible.
Carelessness
Leaving the lights or other systems running by mistake can happen once in a while, especially when you are distracted. But you should avoid doing this too often, as it will drain the battery, especially if left overnight.
How to Check a Tesla's Battery Degradation
Tesla cars have systems in place that allow the driver to check on their battery health and the rate of battery degradation.
The LCD display screen provides alerts and signals to warn the driver if the battery is not working correctly or is damaged. For instance, if the battery is overheating, a warning sign will appear on the screen and advise you whether to get the battery checked or give it time to cool down.
There are also mobile applications, such as TeslaFi, that allow you to monitor the battery’s performance to determine whether the battery is working correctly or if it needs professional servicing.
If you notice that the charging capacity has dropped significantly, you should take the car to a specialist EV mechanic to check the battery’s health. In general, you should aim to visit a professional EV service center every four to six months so that you can have any issues dealt with before they become major problems that require costly battery repairs or replacements.
Are Tesla Batteries Covered by Lifetime Warranty?
Tesla vehicles do not have lifetime warranties but are covered by limited warranties. The warranties cover repairs or replacement parts to correct defects that occur under normal use of the vehicle.
The Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty covers a vehicle for up to four years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty provides cover for up to five years or 60,000 miles.
The Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty varies by model. It covers the Model S and Model Y cars for eight years or 150,000 miles, with the battery expected to remain at a minimum of 70% of its full capacity.
The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive model has coverage for eight years or 100,000 miles, while the long-range and performance versions of the Model 3 and Model Y have eight years or 120,000 miles of coverage, all with a minimum of 70% battery capacity retention.
Used vehicles are covered by the remainder of four years or 50,000 miles left on the basic vehicle warranty and then an additional one year or 10,000 miles. The remainder of the original Battery and Drive Unit warranty applies.
How Much Does a Tesla Battery Replacement Cost?
How much is a Tesla battery to replace? In 2019, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that replacing a module in a battery pack would cost $5,000-7,000. There are four modules in each pack, so replacing a faulty module would cost less than replacing the entire pack.
The warranty should cover the cost of a replacement, otherwise, you will have to pay. Typically, most battery replacements cost $13,000 for the Model 3 entry-level sedan, $14,000 for the Model X premium SUV, and $13,000-$20,000 for the Model S premium sedan. You might also have to pay for parts like wiring and connectors, as well as labor.
How Can You Make Your Tesla Battery Last Longer?
There are several things you can do to extend a Tesla battery life expectancy.
Use Tesla’s Energy App
Use the energy app on the display screen to monitor your driving activity and make sure you are maximizing the use of the battery. The app provides range tips to advise you how to improve the car’s energy consumption.
Maintain Battery Balance
Try to keep the battery partially charged to avoid overcharging or running it down too low.
Tesla recommends plugging in the car every evening to top off the battery and keeping the car set within the 'Daily' range bracket, up to around 90%. That will help limit overheating and protect the battery’s performance for many years.
Fully charge the battery to 100% around once every three months or before taking a long trip to maintain optimal capacity.
Store the Tesla in a Moderate Environment
Avoid parking the car in direct sunlight or cold places to keep the battery at an optimal temperature and reduce power loss. Tesla advises drivers to leave their vehicles plugged in during cold weather to allow the battery to get some heat.
Reduce Aerodynamic Drag
Lighter vehicles use less power to run than heavier vehicles, so you should remove any roof and cycle racks when they are not in use to limit the aero drag and enable the battery to last longer.
Limiting the weight that you carry inside the car will also use less power than when it is overloaded.
Maintain Proper Charger Use
For everyday use, it is better to recharge a Tesla battery from a level 2 charger. Superchargers are useful for emergencies, but they put more stress on the battery. This affects how long a Tesla battery lasts over the long term.
You should try to schedule a regular charging routine so that you have a sufficient battery level for your needs, and do not frequently resort to using a fast charger.
Use Regenerative Braking
The regenerative braking feature on a Tesla will generate power from braking that the battery can use or store for later. This will extend the length of time before you need to recharge the battery.
Limit Acceleration
Heavy acceleration drains the battery power and wears out the tires, so you should only accelerate when necessary to maximize the car’s driving range.
Maintain Optimal Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s driving range as higher rolling resistance from low tire pressure reduces battery efficiency. Variable tire rolling resistance could account for a difference of up to 4% in battery charge over the life of a vehicle, a study shows.
Tesla includes tire pressure monitoring in its app and recommends maintaining tire pressure between 40-45 psi depending on the vehicle configuration.
FAQs
What kind of battery is used in a Tesla?
Tesla uses four kinds of batteries: 18650-type, 2170-type, 4680-type, and prismatic-type. The Model S and Model X vehicles use the 18650-type manufactured by Panasonic, while the Model 3 and Model Y use the Tesla-manufactured 2170-type.
Tesla is shifting to using its 4680-type battery for the Model Y manufactured at its Texas plant and will use the LFP battery prismatic type from CATL for all Model 3 and Model Y configurations.
What is the average Tesla battery lifespan?
A Tesla battery should last 300,000-500,000 miles, although its limited warranty covers up to 150,000 miles or eight years with the battery running at 70% of its capacity.
Will a Tesla battery last 10 years?
Drivers in the US cover an average of around 12,000 miles per year, Tesla estimates, so with a lifespan of 300,000-500,000 miles, a Tesla battery should last 25-41 years on average. In reality, this will depend on how the EV is used and maintained.
How long does it take to charge a Tesla?
Depending on the type of charger used, it can take from a few minutes to several hours to charge a Tesla car battery. A Level 1 AC charger, such as a home outlet, can take 20-40 hours; a Level 2 charger such as a Tesla or third-party charging point can take 8-12 hours; and a Tesla Supercharger can take 15-25 minutes.
What are the options for charging a Tesla?
You can charge a Tesla at home using a Mobile connector or adaptor for a regular outlet or install a Wall Connector. On the road, you can charge at a Tesla or third-party charging station.
Does the Tesla Supercharger damage a battery?
Using a Tesla Supercharger regularly can cause battery degradation through overheating, reducing your battery’s ability to hold a charge or charge to its full capacity. However, Tesla’s onboard thermal management system optimizes the health of the battery to limit the damage.
What happens if my Tesla battery goes to 0?
If your Tesla battery runs down completely when it is parked at home you can simply plug it in to recharge. Tesla EVs have a “tow mode,” so if your battery level falls to zero when you are on the road, you can place the car in park, allowing another vehicle to tow it to a charging point.
Can I leave my Tesla parked for a month?
Yes. Tesla’s software and hardware functions help to maintain battery efficiency so that when a car is parked for a month the battery will likely only drain by around 15% even if it is unplugged.
