How Long Do Tesla Batteries Last?

Tesla’s are some of the most popular electric cars available, holding about 49% of the market share. Some people might be hesitant to switch to an electric car because they aren’t sure how long they’ll last. 

Tesla reports that its car batteries can last for over 200,000 miles, and under ideal conditions, a Tesla can go at least 272 miles on a single charge. However, just how long your Tesla battery lasts can vary. Let’s take a closer look at how long Tesla batteries last and what you can do to maintain its health. 

How long do Teslas last?

According to Tesla’s 2023 Impact Report, Tesla’s electric car batteries are designed to last over 200,000 miles of driving. But, that doesn’t mean you have to get rid of them after reaching that milestone.

After the 200,000 mile mark, the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y are estimated to lose only 15% of battery capacity, while the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X lose 12% on average.

A 2019 tweet from Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed Model 3 batteries "should last 300k to 500k miles". However, Tesla EVs are still relatively new to the market. The company introduced its first-ever product, the Roadster, in 2008. So, there are few real-world scenarios to prove how many miles Tesla batteries last before a replacement is needed.

What is Tesla’s car battery warranty?

Tesla’s battery warranty promises that the EV batteries will operate at a minimum 70% capacity after 8 years or up to a specific mileage – whatever comes first. The table below shows the different warranty terms for each Tesla model:

The average American drives about 13,500 miles annually, or about 40 miles daily, meaning it would take the average driver about 8.8 years to reach 120,000 miles. So, you’ll likely get to the eight-year mark before the mileage limit on the warranty.

How much does it cost to replace a Tesla car battery?

The cost of a new Tesla battery replacement can range from $8,000 to over $20,000, depending on several factors. Some Tesla owners on Reddit have reported battery replacement costs in the $12,000 and $13,000 range.

While battery replacements for Teslas are pricey, it’s unlikely that you’ll need one during ownership. Tesla utilizes long-lasting lithium-ion battery technology; the battery warranty should provide sufficient coverage.

Plus, electric cars don’t require as much maintenance as gas-powered cars. So, while getting a new Tesla car battery seems expensive, you also have to consider the savings from avoiding oil changes and charging with electricity instead of gas.

Tesla battery life: Real-world examples

It’s important to remember that you might not get the exact same performance out of your car battery that Tesla says. Reading into real-world accounts of Tesla owners documenting their experiences with ownership helps gain a better understanding.

One owner on Reddit reported that their 2016 Tesla, which had 130,000 miles, had 250 miles of driving range when it was brand new, which has since dropped to about 211 miles. This shows that the battery degradation affects the mileage range of Teslas after owning them for quite some time. 

Another owner on Tesla’s online forum reported a decline in the range of their 2019 Tesla Model 3, with 63,000 miles on it. The user posted that they were experiencing a difference between their Model 3’s predicted range versus the actual range they experienced after hitting this mileage mark, with their Tesla performing at 83% of the expected range.

How long does a Tesla last on a single charge?

Currently, the Tesla Model S has the longest range at 410 miles. But you can expect any Tesla vehicle to be able to drive at least 277 miles on a single charge. The table below shows the EPA estimated mileage range for each Tesla model currently on the market:

Based on the average American commute of 40 miles per day, you can expect your Tesla to last between three and four days on a single charge. However, the actual duration of your Tesla’s battery life depends on a few different factors.

4 factors that affect Tesla battery life

Your Tesla will likely last a few days before needing a charge, but this can vary depending on where you live, your driving habits, and how you charge your vehicle. Consider these factors to help maintain your battery’s longevity.

1. Location

Living in a vast rural area as opposed to a city or suburban setting might require longer drives to reach destinations, leading to more frequent charging sessions, more miles put on your vehicle, and faster battery degradation. The types of roads you drive on, whether they’re hilly or flat, or highways or city streets, can also determine how long your Tesla’s battery lasts. 

2. Weather conditions

Sudden temperature changes can also impact Tesla battery performance. Colder temperatures generally result in lower mileage. If you’re located in a colder climate, don’t let that discourage you from owning a Tesla – you might just want to consider purchasing a model with more than 300 miles of range, and learn how to properly maintain your EV’s battery in cold weather. 

3. Driving habits and lifestyle

Frequent traveling or long commutes increase mileage, which can deplete the battery more quickly. Also, it's been proven that aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and frequent hard braking can drain your EVs battery much faster. So, for the safety of your battery and other drivers on the road, try to maintain smooth and steady driving. 

4. Charging methods

There are three different levels of EV charging based on the amount of voltage being supplied to your vehicle’s battery. A level 3 charger, also known as DC fast charging, is the level used at public charging stations. Since this method of charging uses the highest amount of voltage, it can harm your vehicle’s battery if it's used too much long term. 

How to maintain your Tesla’s battery health

• Avoid charging the battery to 100%: Overcharging a battery can reduce its lifespan. Reserve charging the battery to 100% for long road trips, avoiding frequent full charges. Charge the battery to 80% at most each time, which you can set as a limit within your Tesla App. 

• Limit Level 3 charger use: You shouldn’t fully rely on Level 3 chargers, like Tesla Superchargers. The amount of power fast-charging stations use can harm your battery’s health when overused. It’s recommended when purchasing an EV to install a standard level 2 charger in your home. 

• Keep a consistent charging schedule: After a day of commuting, keep your car plugged in overnight to keep it on a charging schedule. It also helps minimize ‘vampire’ battery drains.

• Maintain a safe and calm driving pattern: Don’t drive too sporadically, such as hard braking or rapid acceleration to high speeds to avoid heavy wear on your battery.

Can I charge my Tesla with solar power?

If you're looking for the most eco-friendly and cost-effective way to charge your Tesla, home solar panels are the best option. 

According to SolarReviews' 2024 EV report, charging an electric vehicle with solar panels costs only $22 per month, or about $235 annually. That's a savings of over $100 each month when compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. 

You only need about five solar panels to cover the energy needs of a Tesla Model 3. When paired with a level 2 electric car charger, you can power your EV with the sun all while saving money. 

If you're unsure whether solar is worth it for your home, use our solar caulcator to find out more about incentives, costs, savings, and how much solar you'd need for an electric car.

Tesla car batteries: FAQs