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How Long Do Tesla’s Batteries Last
Electric car buyers are usually concerned with the range of their vehicles. However, the technology integrated into electric cars is advancing every day. From the first electric car designed in the 1800s, modern EVs have come a long way. Significant improvements in EV technology include better battery cell chemistry, battery management systems, and structural design.
Tesla introduced its first mass-produced EV, Model S, in 2012, making it more than a decade since then. Tesla has been the leader in EV technology, and most models can easily drive 300 miles on a single charge.
Still, many EV buyers wonder how long Tesla batteries last. In reality, several factors affect the range of any electric car.
Tesla cars can usually travel at least 260 miles on a single charge. Tesla aims for its batteries to last 300,000 to 500,000 miles, equivalent to approximately 15 to 30 years for an average person.
Tesla Batteries Range
The provided ranges for Tesla models are approximate and can vary based on factors like battery age, driving conditions, and software updates.
- Model 3 (Standard Range) = 267 miles
- Model 3 (Long Range) = 334 miles
- Model 3 (Performance) = 315 miles
- Model S = 375 miles
- Model S (Plaid) = 348 miles
- Model X = 332 miles
- Model X (Plaid) = 313 miles
- Model Y (Long Range) = 318 miles
- Model Y (Performance) = 303 miles
Tesla Model Y, Model X, Model S, and Model 3 offer different ranges at full charge. In addition, Tesla cars adjust the available mile range according to driving conditions, helping you get the most out of your battery.
The specific range of a Tesla EV battery depends on its capacity and driving style. Still, the most extended range of Tesla EV cars is around 405 miles on a full charge for the Model S Long Range.
To put it in perspective, a single fully-charged Tesla Model 3 Standard battery can take you from Las Vegas to Los Angeles without recharging. On the other hand, a full-charged Model S can provide an even more extended range.
Regardless of the battery capacity, Tesla EVs can easily take you back and forth on your daily commute. Thanks to the Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide, you can even enjoy long road trips in your Tesla.
How long before Tesla batteries need to be replaced?
There are not many EVs that have needed battery replacement till now. The cost of replacing a Tesla battery can vary widely depending on the model and circumstances of the replacement. Tesla has not publicly listed a fixed price range for battery replacements, so the cost may vary.
However, these prices are expected to decrease as the overall cost of batteries decreases. It is safe to say that an average Tesla battery can support your EV for 500,000 miles, but it will provide less mileage per charge.
You must also know that battery degradation affects battery life and the car’s range. This is especially true if you charge the battery from empty to complete daily. Tesla battery degradation varies, but some studies and user reports indicate that the battery may retain about 90% of its original capacity after 160,000 miles, affecting range rather than the car’s overall performance. So, your Tesla should perform satisfactorily for a long time.
Despite this, you don’t have to worry too much about battery replacement, thanks to Tesla’s warranty. Depending on the model, it covers 100,000 – 150,000 miles of range, or 8 years, whichever occurs first. Put, you can drive your Tesla Model Y for 41 miles per day (15,000 miles per year) within the 8-year warranty period.
Additionally, Model S and Model X can travel 52 miles daily (18,750 miles per year) before the battery’s warranty expires.
Replacing Tesla Batteries
The need to replace a Tesla battery depends on individual user experience and degradation level, not strictly on a 20% loss of range. Tesla’s warranty may cover significant capacity loss under certain conditions. Reportedly, Tesla cars lose approximately 10% of battery performance after 100,000 miles. The company claims that Tesla batteries can last from 300,000 to 500,000 miles.
For instance, if you drive your Tesla up to 270 miles per week, the car battery will last between 15 and 20 years.
Therefore, it is safe to say that Tesla batteries will rarely need to be replaced. However, you may likely have to replace your EV battery before replacing your car battery.
Conclusion
As with smartphones, car batteries also tend to experience a decrease in overall charge. However, you can’t replace a Tesla battery as quickly and affordably as you do with your smartphone battery. Thus, knowing how to care for your EV’s battery is essential.
Tesla advises that Supercharging is safe for regular use and has designed its battery and software to manage the effects of fast charging. Optimal battery care includes following Tesla’s guidance on charging practices. Avoid charging your car battery over 90% regularly unless needed for extended range. Besides this, you should maintain a regular battery-checking schedule and improve your driving habits to get the most out of a Tesla car battery.
See Also
Is Solar Energy Actually Cost Effective?
References
https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/how-long-does-a-tesla-battery-last#gref
https://optiwatt.com/blog/how-long-will-your-tesla-battery-really-last
https://news.energysage.com/how-long-do-tesla-car-batteries-last/
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