How long do batteries last in a Tesla car?

How long does a Tesla battery last?

Range anxiety is one of the main concerns for potential electric car buyers. But the technology used in electric vehicles has improved by leaps and bounds since the introduction of the first EV.

Tesla has been at the forefront of this development, with most of its models having 300-400 miles of range.

But just how long does a Tesla battery last? Well, that will depend on some factors.

On average, Tesla owners can expect at least 267 miles of range on a single charge of their car’s battery. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, your Tesla batteries are supposed to last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles, or 1,500 battery cycles. That’s around 22 to 37 years for an average person.

There are talks about Tesla developing a battery that can last a million miles. But this will remain hearsay until batteries lasting a million miles are invented. You might also need a battery replacement during your car’s lifetime.

Each Tesla model battery lasting chart

Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y have different ranges after a full charge, and Tesla also adjusts the available mile range depending on driving conditions to make the most out of your car’s battery.

The range will still depend on your driving style and your battery capacity, but the longest-range Tesla model is the Model S at 375 miles per full charge.

So, a single full charge of Model 3 Standard can take you from Los Angeles to Las Vegas before needing a recharge. In comparison, Model S could take you almost halfway back before having to charge up somewhere near Flynn, California.

But no matter which model you choose, you’ll get enough range for your everyday commute and long road trips, thanks to Tesla Superchargers scattered throughout the country.

Tesla’s battery warranty chart

There haven’t been many electric cars that have needed battery replacement, but according to Musk, a new battery for a Model 3 car can set you back around $5,000 to $7,000. These prices are expected to decrease once the cost of batteries themselves decreases.

Claims about people paying thousands of dollars for a new battery aren’t confirmed, and these talks just add to the conflicting information about battery replacement costs. But a Tesla battery can still go beyond 500,000 miles, just with lesser mileage per charge.

Also, keep in mind that recharging contributes to battery degradation and may affect battery life in the long run, especially if you charge from empty to full daily.

In fact, Tesla’s battery technology makes your electric vehicle more reliable over time, with studies suggesting that there is only a 10% decrease in performance after 160,000 miles. So, you can expect top performance from your car until then.

In the rare case that your batteries stop performing, don’t fret, as Tesla’s battery degradation is covered by a Tesla warranty. The warranty will depend on the model, but each warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles of range – whichever comes first.

To put things into perspective, you can drive your Model Y 15,000 miles a year or 41 miles a day within the 8-year warranty period. Meanwhile, Model X and Model S cars will take around 18,750 miles a year or 52 miles a day before their warranty lapses.

What charging options do I have when buying a Tesla

Tesla uses varying lithium-ion batteries on each model, depending on its features. For Model X and Model S, a 100-kilowatt-hour battery is used to allow them to store more power on a single charge.

The charging rate will depend on the EV charger that you use and your car model. Take the Model S, for example, the Performance and Long Range Models are equipped with an 11.5-kilowatt hour onboard charger, which means a 60-kilowatt hour battery will take 6 hours to charge.

Just this year, Tesla stopped shipping wall chargers with their cars, so you’ll need to buy one separately.

There are Superchargers available to use for a fee. These can give you up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes of charging.

Just use these high-speed chargers with caution, as fast charging strains EV batteries and affects your car’s life in the long run.

Fortunately, a cost-effective solution is the Level 1/Level 2 Tesla Charger by Lectron . It is equipped with interchangeable NEMA 5-15 and 14-50 plugs, allowing for 12 amp and 32 amp charging for your Tesla — letting you charge both at home and on the road.

Also, with charging stations like the Lectron V-BOX 40A and 48A, along with the Lectron J1772 to Tesla adapter , Tesla drivers have everything they need to fully charge their EV batteries overnight.

Fully charged Tesla compared to gas-powered cars

Tesla offers a top-in-class range of electric vehicles and battery life. Compared to gas-powered cars, Teslas are much more expensive and can set you back anywhere from $40,000 — $125,000 depending on the model.

But how does your Tesla compare to traditional cars?

Here are the ranges of some of the most popular vehicles in the market:

• Audi A7: 463 miles
• Audi Q7: 450 miles
• BMW 330i: 468 miles
• Honda Accord: 488 miles
• Nissan Altima: 518 miles
• Toyota Corolla: 436 miles

Compared to Teslas, traditional vehicles typically have a longer range or mileage on a single tank of fuel versus a single charge. The Model S is the closest; this Tesla battery lasts 405 miles. But as electric vehicle battery technology advances, it won’t be long until EVs can compete or even surpass traditional cars in terms of range.

While the upfront cost may be more expensive, driving an electric car will save you more money in the long run as compared to traditional cars, especially these days when gas prices are astronomical.

For even more savings, solar panels are the way to go. Not only is the electricity free, they’re also a sustainable source of energy. It is possible that we may start seeing more integration between renewable energy industries, such as the EV industry and the solar industry.

How often do Tesla batteries need to be replaced

Your Tesla is due for a battery replacement once it has lost 20% of its range. Tesla owners reportedly only lose 5% after 100,000 miles.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed in a Tweet that a Tesla battery can last between 300,000 to 500,000 miles. If you’re driving within the national average of 273 miles per week, expect your battery life to last anywhere from 21 to 35 years.

The point is a Tesla battery replacement will rarely (if ever) happen. There’s a higher chance you’ll need to replace your electric vehicle before you replace your battery.

How to look after Tesla battery

Long-time smartphone users may already be familiar with decreasing battery health, and more frequent charge cycles. And this also happens with electric car batteries.

Unlike the lithium-ion batteries in your smartphone though, a replacement battery in your Tesla can cost you an arm and a leg.

Knowing how to take care of your batteries can help you save tons of money in the long run.

Here are a few tips on how to keep the battery capacity of your Tesla model in optimum condition and limit the time between charge cycles:

Only use Superchargers when necessary

Fast charging produces more heat than standard “slow” charging. Excessive heat causes degradation in lithium-ion batteries. Using Superchargers often may shorten the lifespan of Tesla vehicles and affect battery capacity.

Don’t charge above 80% unless you need to

If you don’t need the battery’s full range, don’t consume it. For normal daily use, charging around 80% to 90% is advisable to maintain battery health. Also, avoid letting your battery charge fall below 20%.

Maintain a regular charging schedule

Maintain a charging habit. Consistency is the key. Keep a consistent charging schedule with lower voltage home chargers and charging stations. Lower voltage charging won’t put too much strain on your batteries.

Drive more smoothly

Avoid sudden changes in acceleration. Excessive acceleration for long periods drains out your battery abruptly. This can reduce your vehicle’s range and wear out the tires faster.

What else impacts Tesla battery ranges?

Your driving habits and environment can significantly impact both your battery range and battery life. According to Tesla, frequent stop-and-go driving, bad weather, and uphill driving can strain your battery and affect battery longevity and original capacity.

In bad weather conditions, your battery needs extra energy to maintain optimal operating temperature. Cold weather can also affect your car’s regenerative braking feature.

Maintaining your tire pressure can also help conserve range. So does lighter cargo, as more weight requires more energy to move the vehicle.

The cost to replace Tesla Battery

Over the years, Tesla has used different lithium-ion battery configurations in its vehicles. There haven’t been many documented battery replacements, so it’s hard to come up with the price range. But the cost of the battery may range anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000. Labor costs are a different story but expect to shell out between $20,000 and $22,000 for battery replacement.

FAQs

How often does a Tesla battery need to be replaced?

There haven’t been many electric cars that needed battery replacement, but according to Elon Musk, your Tesla batteries last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles, or 1,500 battery cycles. That’s around 22 to 37 years for someone driving an average of 40 miles a day.

How much does it cost to replace a Tesla battery?

Musk claims that a new battery for a Model 3 car can set you back around $5,000 to $7,000. That’s exclusive of labor costs. These prices are expected to decrease once the cost of batteries themselves decreases. Expect to spend between $20,000 and $22,000 for battery replacement.

How quickly do Teslas charge?

This will depend on the Tesla model and the charger you’re using. Tesla models have varying ranges, and, therefore, varying charging times (a bigger battery will also take longer to charge).

What happens if Tesla runs out of battery?

The short and simple answer is the car will stop and you’ll need a towing service to take your car to the nearest charging station. Your Tesla will warn you about low battery, so don’t worry about suddenly running out of juice mid-drive.

How far can a Tesla go on one charge at 70 mph?

InsideEV ’s 70 mph test got 310 miles of range on one charge of a 2021 Tesla Model 3 AWD; 43 miles short of its claimed range of 353 miles. The 2021 Model S Plaid with 21” wheels recorded 300 miles for one full charge, 48 miles lesser than its advertised range.

What is the range a Tesla has after one charge?

A standard model Tesla can get at least 267 miles of range for a single charge. However, the Model S Long Range can go an estimated 375 miles.

How do I charge my Tesla?

Charging your Tesla vehicles to around 80% to 90% is advisable to maintain battery health. Also, avoid letting your battery charge fall below 20%.

How do I check if the battery on a used Tesla is still good?

Tracking a Tesla’s mileage and battery capacity over time is the easiest way to check battery life. It’s due for a battery replacement once it has lost 20% of its range. Tesla owners reportedly only lose 5% after 100,000 miles.

Is battery degradation a consideration when buying a used Tesla?

Tesla’s battery technology makes your electric vehicle more reliable over time, with studies suggesting that there is only a 10% decrease in performance after 160,000 miles. So, you can expect top performance from your car until then. In case your battery stops performing, a battery warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles of range – whichever comes first.

Do different Tesla models have different batteries?

Tesla uses lithium-ion batteries in all its vehicles, but they’re not all the same. There are four main types of batteries across their EVs: 18650-type, 2170-type, 4680-type, and the prismatic-type Tesla battery.

What is the lifespan of a Tesla battery?

Tesla car batteries can last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles, or 1,500 battery cycles. That’s around 22 to 37 years if you’re driving 40 miles per day.

How long do Tesla batteries last?

When looking for a new electric vehicle, range anxiety is one of the biggest fears of a potential EV buyer. You do not need to worry about that with a Tesla. For any Tesla car, the battery will last for at least 272 miles on a single charge and the battery itself can last up to 35 years.

Find out which Tesla model is right for you based on the mileage range per charge, how long the battery will last, and what it will cost for a replacement battery.

**Tesla’s pricing and mileage ranges change often, this article is accurate as of January 2023.

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What is the range a Tesla has after one charge?

Tesla’s mileage ranges recently increased for each car and although the increases are slight, an extra 5 miles can make or break your drive on the way to your next charge.

As mentioned, for any Tesla car, the battery will last for at least 272 miles on a single charge. The range really depends on how you are driving and how large your battery is. Currently, the longest range Tesla offers is about 405 miles of range per full charge.

Much like a gasoline engine, Tesla adjusts the available mile range up or down based on current driving conditions. With a full charge, it may say that you have 250 miles to go, but it could be slightly less if you are always stomping on the pedal and driving aggressively.

Tesla’s Model 3, Model S, and SUV Model X and Model Y, have varying ranges after one full charge, as the below chart shows:

*The mileage range for each model is based on EPA estimates

So, if your commute is 50 miles in one direction, after a single charge for the Model 3 Standard Range, you can commute back and forth twice and will need a charge after the 5th trip. Put another way, on that single charge, you can take a road trip from New York City to Washington, DC — just be sure to plug in once you reach your destination!

If you are really interested in high mileage reliability, your best option is the Model S. Which, in our hypothetical scenario, could get you from New York City to Washington, DC, and almost halfway back before needing to stop and charge somewhere around Delaware.

Either way, any Tesla you choose will provide sufficient range for everyday use and long drives alike, due in large part to their increasing availability of Superchargers.

Why is the range different for each Tesla model?

Your Tesla’s range depends on the model of the car, its battery size, and how you drive.

Model

Tesla’s Model 3 is meant to be a more affordable option, so it comes with a smaller internal battery. The battery size is one of the largest factors in determining the cost of an EV — the bigger the battery, the more mileage range (but the higher the price).

If you are interested in owning a Tesla for your daily commute or for simply running errands, the Model 3 car is a great option. You can compare it to the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt in terms of practicality and affordability, but the Tesla offers a more sleek, aesthetically appealing car with a higher mileage range.

The Long Range Models, such as the Model S cars, offer unparalleled acceleration, going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in as little as 3.1 seconds. So if you are looking for an electric car that can perform even better than its gas-powered counterparts, a Long Range Model would be a great choice.

The Plaid Model is similar to the Long Range but comes with more features, like enhanced interior styling, a carbon fiber spoiler, and better traction control. The Performance Model can accelerate even quicker, going from 0-60mph in 1.99 seconds.

Not your typical commuting car, but if you are interested in performance and style, the Plaid is the one to choose.

Battery size

The battery size also affects the mileage range of the car. For example, the Model 3 has the smallest battery and on a full charge, it can drive up to 272 miles, versus the Model S Plaid, which has a larger battery, and can travel up to 405 miles on a single charge.

However, the battery size also determines the car’s cost; the Model 3 Standard Range has the smallest battery, making it the cheapest option at about $43,490. The Model S Plaid will cost you about $114,990.

With most EV batteries, you either get one with a high battery capacity that holds a charge for a very long time or one that can be charged quickly. The good news is with a Tesla car, you can have both!

How you drive

It is important to note that similar to traditional internal combustion engine cars, your car’s battery will deplete more quickly and not make it the full range if you consistently drive fast.

Also, when driving in less than ideal conditions, such as snowy or rainy weather, your battery will exert more power. Driving into a headwind or in freezing temperatures can impact your range, too.

Ensuring you drive at a safe speed, keep the tires fully inflated, brake slowly, and reduce excess weight inside the car means you’re less likely to encounter issues surrounding range. And like any car, the way you maintain and care for your Tesla will help the car and the battery last longer.

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How long do Tesla batteries last?

Tesla car batteries are said to be designed to last 300,000-500,000 miles (as purported by Tesla CEO Elon Musk), or about 21-35 years, based on the average amount of miles driven by Americans in one year, which is typically around 14,263. Keep in mind, that number can fluctuate based on mileage range, among other things.

Rumor has it that Tesla is working on developing a battery that can last a million miles. However, currently-available batteries are not yet capable of lasting a million miles and might need a battery replacement during the lifetime of the car.

So few EV batteries have been replaced that the best information available comes from Elon Musk claiming a $5,000 to $7,000 price tag for a new battery for a Model 3 car. As the cost for batteries themselves decrease, the costs of replacing batteries is expected to drop, as well.

More and more stories are coming out of people spending tens of thousands of dollars on a new battery. There is a lot of conflicting information out there about costs, but a Tesla battery might still be able to perform after 500,000 miles — just at a lesser mileage range per charge.

It’s important to note that recharging electric car batteries does put strain on the battery life and its ability to hold a charge, especially if the battery runs out of power and is fully recharged daily. On the bright side, however, that is unlikely unless you are driving 300+ miles a day.

You can also expect your battery’s performance to be reliable over time. Research suggests that a typical Tesla battery degradation is 10% after 160,000 miles. That means that after all of those miles driven, the performance and energy density of the battery drops a mere 10% less than it was at its peak performance.

Tesla’s battery warranty

Luckily, all Tesla car batteries are covered under a warranty, so if for some reason they stop performing or break down before their warranty is up, you will be covered.

The battery warranty depends on the model of your car. Each warranty covers 8 years or a range of 100,000 to 150,000 miles — whichever comes first.

The chart below breaks down the warranty you are guaranteed, based on the model of your vehicle.

So, you can drive your Tesla Model Y for 15,000 miles a year, or about 41 miles a day, before reaching the 120,000-mile mark and your 8-year timeframe is up. For the Tesla Model X and S, you have 18,750 miles a year, or 52 miles a day.

Ultimately, your car battery should last longer than 8 years and 150,000 miles, but for the first few years of your car’s life, Tesla will have you covered.

What charging options do I have when buying a Tesla?

Each Tesla comes with different lithium-ion batteries based on the desired functionality of the car, including energy storage, speed, and charge time. You can get a Model S and Model X with a 100kWh battery pack which allows them to go further on a single charge.

The amount of time it takes to charge your car battery depends on the charger you use. For instance, the Tesla Model S, both the Performance and Long Range Models, come with an 11.5 kW Onboard Charger. The Onboard Charger charges a battery at 11.5 kW an hour, meaning for a 60 kWh battery, you will need about 6 hours to fully charge the battery.

Unfortunately, Teslas do not come with a wall charger — you will need to purchase that separately. They do, however, include a mobile charger as a backup option.

When you need a charge and you aren’t home, Tesla Superchargers can be found in high-traffic areas for Tesla owners to use, for a fee. They are becoming more available globally and can charge cars in 15 minutes for up to a range of 200 miles.

However, using these charging stations is stressful for your battery and should be used sparingly to maintain your battery’s life and functionality.

You can learn more about the types of Tesla charging options here.

How does a fully charged Tesla compare to gas-powered cars?

Tesla cars have become more reliable in terms of mileage range and the lifetime of their batteries. The upfront cost of a Tesla vehicle ranges from $40,000 — $127,000 and is based on the model type, making it much more expensive than many gas-powered vehicles.

The good news is, it is cheaper to charge your Tesla than it is to pay for gas. You will save more money in the long run with a Tesla versus traditional cars, even if your battery does need replacing down the line.

An even better way to keep costs low is to charge your car using solar panels. This way, the electricity you are using is free and sustainable. Find out how much it will cost you to install solar panels so that you can make owning a Tesla as sustainable and cost-effective as possible.

Key takeaways

• For any Tesla vehicle, the battery will last for at least 272 miles on a single charge.
• Your Tesla’s battery will degrade a nominal amount over time and is covered under warranty for 8 years of 100,000 — 150,000 miles, depending on the model.
• Replacement batteries could cost tens of thousands of dollars, but so few have been replaced outside the warranty it is challenging to pinpoint an exact price.

Andrew Sendy

Home Solar Journalist

Andy is deeply concerned about climate change but is also concerned about cost of living pressures on American families. He advocates for solar energy and solar battery storage only to the extent that they make financial sense for homeowners. He is not affiliated with any particular solar company in the United States.