How long does a Tesla battery last 2022?

How Long Does a Tesla Last?

One of the most asked questions about electric cars isn’t how much gas they can save; it’s actually mo re of the question of how far their battery can get them before running out of power. At the forefront of the electric car industry is Tesla, with its unique and luxurious approach to the electric vehicle experience. Tesla car batteries, especially those of the Model S, average a charge range of about 267 miles, while the battery can be used for up to 35 years. Easily one of the most powerful car batteries an electric vehicle can have.

How Long Different Tesla Model Batteries Last

How much charge and life a Tesla battery has will depend on the model –Tesla is known for their catalog of electric vehicles of varying speeds and engine capabilities. Of course, they also have different battery power capabilities. The following is a catalog of Tesla’s different electric vehicles and their battery range before requiring a charge:

• The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Edition runs 267 miles before needing a charge.
• The Tesla Model 3 Long Range Edition runs 334 miles before needing a charge.
• The Tesla Model 3 Performance runs 315 miles before needing a charge.
• The Tesla Model S runs 375 miles before needing a charge.
• The Tesla Model S Plaid runs 348 miles before needing a charge.
• The Tesla Model X runs 332 miles before needing a charge.
• The Tesla Model X Plaid runs 313 miles before needing a charge.
• The Tesla Model Y Long Range Edition runs 318 miles before needing a charge.
• The Tesla Model Y Performance Edition runs 303 miles before needing a charge.

While some of the range capabilities between Tesla models may seem minuscule, you’d be surprised how much five miles can make a difference when it comes to longer trips and needs of charging.

Why Tesla Batteries Get a Different Range of Miles Depending on Model

The answer, or rather answers, to why Tesla makes so many different types of electric car batteries are quite simple –different Tesla models mean different batteries of varying sizes. Each model is also designed for a certain level of travel and use. An example of this would be the Tesla Model 3 being best for daily commutes, and simple local errand runs. Unless your destination has a charging station, then a road trip may not be in your Model 3’s best interests depending on battery size.

Meanwhile, Long Range Editions like the Tesla Model S offers more travel time before needing a charge. They also boast really good acceleration, able to speed up to 60 mph in just three seconds. This is beaten by Performance models, which can do it in nearly two seconds. Tesla Plaid Models tend to be the most luxurious, with a classy interior to prove it. According to data, the average length of a one-way road trip is about 284 miles. Still, it would still be a lot of work for a Long Range Tesla and impossible if the destination doesn’t have charging stations.

The smaller the battery of a Tesla, typically the less range it will have before it needs a charge –as simple as that. Tesla’s smallest batteries tend to be built into the Model 3, while the largest goes into the Model S Long Range Edition. As you can imagine, the size of the battery will especially influence the cost of the Tesla. In fact, the price difference between the Model 3 and the Model S Long Range Edition is a little over $40,000 ($40,690 compared to $84,490).

What Can Affect The Life of a Tesla Battery?

Let’s look at the lifespan of a Tesla battery in more detail. Up to 35 years of battery life entails about 300,000 to 500,000 miles. This mileage is more or less than that of a standard gasoline-powered car. Such things that can affect electric car battery life naturally include how much you drive, the weather conditions, and how much you tend to charge the battery. Of course, the battery size is also a factor in how many miles of range the car gets.

Cold and freezing temperatures will usually require the battery to expend more power, thus ensuring a quicker route to a charge. At the end of the day, the best thing you can do for your Tesla and its battery is to upkeep your car regardless of what model it is. There are specialized battery blankets and warmers if you are worried about Tesla battery degradation if it’s kept outside for the winter.

When Your Tesla Battery Dies

The good news is that Tesla is also known for its battery warranties for new cars. These warranties are typically good for the first eight years of ownership or up to 150,000 miles. It’s during this time that the battery is expected to last, and if it doesn’t, then you are entitled to a battery replacement as the owner.

If you do need to cover the replacement of the Tesla battery yourself, then it can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000, according to the company. There are specialized Tesla service centers that can perform such jobs. Again, Tesla batteries are typically under warranty for about the first eight years of ownership.

The Conclusion About Tesla Vehicles

For a sometimes higher-than-usual asking price, Tesla has cars that are proven to save thousands of dollars on fuel costs. While the charging station for your home is an additional cost, it’s more than worth it in the long run. Batteries are usually financially protected for newer models, but as the car ages, the warranty eventually expires. With an average battery capacity of 267 miles on a single charge, a Tesla is one of the foremost lasting electric vehicles on the market.

How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last?

Find out how long your Tesla battery is expected to last. Read about the conditions that can shorten its lifespan and what you can do to extend it.

• By Magnus Sellén
• Updated: January 7, 2023

If you drive a Tesla, you want to know more about the battery life, both for how many years it will last and what’s expected per charge. How long does a Tesla battery last and when will you need to replace it?

In this guide, we cover the total lifespan of most Tesla batteries. Additionally, we cover how long the charge should last before it needs to be plugged in again. At the end of our article, we break down the costs between a Tesla car and a gas-powered car to show you the differences.

Table Of Contents show

How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last?

The Tesla battery pack is meant to last more than 300,000 miles. Based on normal driving mileage, that means the battery should be able to last more than 20 years. Tesla has been working on a new battery pack that could last a million miles, but we don’t have access to that yet.

It can cost you more than $10,000 to get a new battery installed in the Tesla vehicles. For this reason, you want to ensure the longest life possible, so you can avoid this expensive repair bill.

Research shows that you may see about 10% degradation after about 150,000 miles. However, this drop isn’t enough to cause a warranty claim, nor is it worth replacing at this point.

What is the Tesla Battery Warranty?

Tesla covers all of the batteries with a lengthy warranty, ensuring that you won’t need to pay for a replacement in the first few years. If there’s a manufacturer defect to the battery, you will be covered.

The length of the Tesla battery warranty depends on which vehicle you drive. No matter which model you have, the coverage will last eight years. The part that varies is the mileage, typically somewhere from 100,000 to 150,000 miles.

If you are purchasing a pre-owned Tesla, you can take advantage of any existing warranty coverage. This warranty protection is completely transferable, but you must change your ownership through Tesla to take advantage of the protection.

How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last Per Charge?

Aside from how long the battery will last overall, you want to know what you are going to receive per charge. Most Tesla batteries will last more than 250 miles per charge, but this all depends on what model you drive and how you handle your EV.

Here are a few of the estimated driving ranges of the most popular Tesla models.

• Model 3 Standard Range Plus: 262 miles
• Model Y Performance: 303 miles
• Model 3 Performance: 315 miles
• Model Y Long Range Plus: 326 miles
• Model X Plaid: 340 miles
• Model 3 Long Range: 353 miles
• Model X Long Range Plus: 360 miles
• Model S Plaid: 396 miles
• Model S Long Range Plus: 405 miles

However, these are just estimates. The range you receive depends on several factors.

Factors Affecting Tesla Battery Range

1. Model

As you’ve seen above, the Tesla model you choose plays a profound role in how many miles you can expect to receive per charge. If you are only worried about a daily commute through the city, the Tesla Model 3 might be sufficient for you.

On the other hand, you need something with a longer driving range if you plan to hit the road for trips often. May we recommend the Tesla Model S Long Range Plus for these situations?

2. Battery Size

The biggest factor affecting the estimated driving range per model is the battery size. As you can see in our examples above, the Model 3 has a varying driving range based on various trim levels, so what’s different among these trims? It’s the type of battery included in the configuration.

The Model 3 has the smallest battery in the range. On the other hand, the Model S Long Range contains the largest battery. You must also consider what this battery size does to the cost of the vehicle. If you choose a model with a shorter driving range, you can save some money. On the other hand, the larger the battery life is, the more you are going to spend overall.

3. Driving Style

When you drive a gas-powered car, the way you accelerate and brake dramatically affects the fuel economy. The same is going to be true with your electric car. You can’t expect to get the full driving range if you are pushing your EV to the extreme.

The battery life can also deplete faster if you are driving in colder weather. This battery has to output more power to provide the same level of performance. You must also consider which way the wind is blowing. If you have to drive against the wind, the driving range will be diminished.

To ensure you get every mile out of the charge, you want to pay attention to your car’s health. Keep the tires inflated to the proper levels and brake lightly. Take out any unneeded weight to help it go further.

Tesla vs. Gasoline-Powered Cars

Sticker Price

The biggest consideration between the two cars always starts with the upfront cost. On average, you can expect to spend about $10,000 more on a comparable EV than the gas-powered vehicle.

With some tax incentives, you can help lower the overall costs. Some states are also offering money back on electric vehicles.

Cost to Fill/Charge

One of the biggest reasons for buying an EV is to avoid heading to the gas pump. On average, you could spend around $500 a year to charge an electric car. With gas prices continuing to be on the rise, you are going to spend far more for the same amount of fill-ups.

Of course, the amount of money spent charging depends heavily on how far the EV will go. The higher the efficiency of the vehicle is, the more you will pay upfront. On the other hand, you can get one that’s less efficient for a lower starting price, but you will be paying more often for charging.

Even if you only charge your EV at home, you are going to have electricity costs to consider. Of course, you could reduce some of the costs by using solar power.

Maintenance Costs

Your gas-powered vehicle goes through many maintenance appointments. From regular oil changes to the spark plug replacement, you are going to pay for many appointments over time.

Electric cars do require some maintenance, but not nearly as much. You may only need to pay for some tire rotations and service inspections, which is minimal. Overall, you are going to spend less on the maintenance of an EV than the typical combustion-engine car.

Lifetime Costs

Based on everything we know, from the fuel savings to the lack of maintenance, it’s easy to save a lot of money by driving an electric car. However, these savings only occur if you plan to keep the electric car for several years.

Because of the higher upfront costs of buying an EV, you aren’t going to see savings for a short time. In the beginning, you have to pay more, but you could look at it as an investment, not just for future savings but also for the well-being of our planet.

Here’s How Long A Tesla Model Y Battery Will Actually Last

Tesla has made quite a mark on the electric vehicle industry since the sale of its first all-electric vehicle in 2008. The automaker has come a long way since the introduction of its Roadster that year, and as of the second quarter of 2022, Tesla accounted for more than 66% of EV registrations in the U.S., according to data compiled by Experian. This is quite a feat, considering the competition stemming from manufacturers that have a long standing in the automotive world like BMW, Volvo, and Audi, all of which have notable electric models in production. Adding to this accomplishment is the idea that many U.S. consumers aren’t ready to leap to an all-electric vehicle, preferring to stay with more moderately-priced hybrids instead.

But for those who want to be fossil fuel free, the vehicles produced by Tesla have certainly made their mark. Owners and critics alike have praised the most recent Tesla model — in fact, the Model X and Model Y are ranked #3 and #4, respectively, among all-electric SUVs by U.S. News and World Report. The Model Y in particular has been praised for its roomy interior, smooth ride, and its long battery life.

A common concern among those who are holding off on purchasing any electric vehicle — the capacity and lifespan of the battery — is often scrutinized as no motorist wants to find themselves stranded along a roadway. You’ll find, however, that Tesla vehicles not only provide a good number of miles on each full charge but will also last a lot longer than you may have thought.

The Model Y battery is more than adequate for long trips

Many of us have found ourselves at the side of the road waiting for someone to arrive with a gas can to fill our empty tank. Pushing your gasoline-powered engine too far when the gauge is reading «E» will do that. And like pushing your luck with these types of vehicles, you’ll find yourself in a similar situation with an all-electric model if you aren’t planning your journey with care, requiring roadside assistance or an emergency charging solution.

The Tesla Model Y is equipped with a long-range battery that will last you a full day on the road in the vast majority of situations. If you are driving the Performance Model Y, this vehicle will carry you an average of 303 miles on a full charge, according to Tesla. Should you be considering the Long-Range Model Y, you can expect the battery to last longer, getting 330 miles on the same charge.

By charging the EV overnight when you are finished, you’ll have a fully charged battery to begin your day, assuming you have a home charger. And if you are running low on juice, you’ll find over 35,000 Tesla Supercharging Stations around the world, around 1,400 of which are in the United States, according to the latest data from Scrape Hero. Plug your Model Y into one of these spots and Tesla says on its website that you can expect to get around 200 miles of range after 15 minutes of charging.

The Model Y battery has an insanely long lifespan, too

We know that the Model Y will last many miles between full charges, but some consumers are concerned about how long the battery’s lifespan will be. As the battery is the life force behind the all-electric vehicle, it’s a vital part that will have to prove itself to have longevity — after all, consumers expect the engines in gasoline-powered vehicles to last for a decade or longer without any major issues. Why should we view the power behind an EV any differently?

As with its other vehicles, Tesla covers the batteries found in the Model Y with a warranty that includes repairs if something malfunctions. The automaker will cover the Model Y Long-Range and Performance variants’ battery for eight years or 120,000 miles, whichever it reaches first, as explained on the Tesla website. That’s the same battery warranty offered with the Model 3 EVs.

Based on the currently available data on EV battery longevity, the batteries in Tesla’s EVs tend to last a lot longer than their warranties imply. On average, you can expect the battery of the Model Y (as with the Model X) to get between 300,000 and 500,000 miles before it needs to be replaced, outliers aside. Driving an average of 20,000 miles each year, this means you can count on your Model Y being on the road between 15 and 25 years. Compared to the useful life of the EV’s gas-hogging counterparts, this is quite a bargain.