How Long Do Tesla Batteries Last?

Since electric cars are a newer technology, it's difficult to pinpoint the longevity of them. With public information about Teslas, it has been reported that a Tesla car battery can last for over 200,000 miles. Under ideal conditions, a Tesla model can last at least 272 miles on one charge.

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How long do Teslas last?

Tesla's 2023 Impact Report states that its 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 200,000 miles, the Model 3 and Model Y are estimated to lose just 15% of battery capacity, and the Model S and Model X lose 12% on average.

Back in 2019, Elon Musk claimed that Tesla battery modules were built to last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles, equivalent to 1,500 battery cycles.

However, Tesla is still relatively new to the market. The company introduced its first product, the Roadster, in 2008, so very few real-world scenarios prove how many miles Tesla batteries last before a replacement is needed.

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Tesla car battery warranties

All Tesla models have a battery warranty that promises its EV batteries will operate at 70% capacity after 8 years or up to a specific mileage – whichever comes first. The chart below shows different warranty terms based on the model:

Tesla model	Warranty
Model S, Model X, Cybertruck	8 years or 150,000 miles, with minimum 70% retention of battery capacity over the warranty period
Model 3 RWD and Model Y RWD	8 years or 100,000 miles, with minimum 70% retention of battery capacity over the warranty period
All other models	8 years or 120,000 miles, with minimum 70% retention of battery capacity over the warranty period

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

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How much does a Tesla battery replacement cost?

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 replacement costs in the $12,000 to $13,000 range.

While battery replacements for Teslas can be expensive, it's unlikely that you'll need one during your ownership. Tesla utilizes long-lasting lithium-ion battery technology, and the battery warranty should provide sufficient coverage for most of the time you own the vehicle.

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What is the standard range of a Tesla?

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:

Tesla model	EPA est. range (miles)
Model S	402 miles
Model S Plaid	348 miles
Model 3 Performance	303 miles
Model 3 Long Range RWD	363 miles
Model 3 Long Range AWD	346 miles
Model X	329 miles
Model X Plaid	314 miles
Model Y Performance	277 miles
Model Y Long Range RWD	337 miles
Model Y Long Range AWD	311 miles
Cybertruck	325 miles

How long does a Tesla last in a day?

Based on the average American commute of 40 miles per day, you can expect your Tesla to last between three to four days on a single charge. However, the actual duration your Tesla battery lasts before needing a recharge depends on several factors, including: 

• Location: Living in a rural area requiring longer drives to reach destinations can affect your battery life. Additionally, the climate of your area plays a significant role. 

• Weather conditions: Sudden temperature changes can impact Tesla battery performance, with colder temperatures generally resulting in lower mileage. 

• Driving habits: Frequent traveling or long commutes increase mileage, which can deplete the battery more quickly. Aggressive drivers have also been shown to drain their batteries quicker.

• Charging methods: Excessive use of direct current (DC) charging can negatively affect your electric vehicle's battery life. We recommend EV owners not rely solely on DC fast chargers for recharging.

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How to maintain your Tesla’s battery health

Do’s	Dont’s
Charge your car only to 80%	Overuse Tesla Superchargers
Pre-heat your car in the winter	Drive sporadically by hitting the brake and speeding
Charge your car before it hits 0%	Rely on luck for your Tesla’s battery charge – try to maintain a schedule

• Avoid charging the battery to 100%: Overcharging a battery can reduce it’s lifespan. Reserve charging the battery to 100%  for long road trips, and avoid frequent full charges. Try charging the battery to 80% each time, which you can set as a limit within your Tesla app.

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

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

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

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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.

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Tesla car batteries: FAQs