How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last On Average?

How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last on Average?

How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last on Average?

Key Takeaways

  • Tesla battery life generally lasts between 500,000 and 800,000 kilometres. But how long does a Tesla battery last? Read on to find out.
  • How often you charge your battery determines how long it will last. In contrast to maintaining the charge between 20% and 80%, which could help maintain battery health, using the Supercharger often could speed up wear. 
  • Learn how to tell If Tesla's battery is degraded with My Tesla Accessories’ easy tips and guide!

Tesla Battery Lifespan Overview

Here's an interesting fact: Tesla batteries generally endure between 500,000 and 800,000 kilometres before needing to replace them. For the driver, this equates to 20 to 25 years of usage- on average. This level of endurance makes Teslas really attractive to environmentally conscious customers.

The Tesla battery warranty is 8 years and covers 100K to 150K miles

The Tesla battery warranty is 8 years and covers 100K to 150K miles. Source: Tesla

Additionally, Tesla provides up to an 8-year guarantee on its batteries, which range from 100,000 to 150,000 miles based on the model you purchased. So you can be certain that the Tesla battery will have a highly steady quality and battery life, allowing your vehicle to be used for a longer time than any electric car.

After 200,000 miles, almost all Tesla batteries retain over 80% of their original capacity, according to the experience of My Tesla Accessories. Several factors may affect Tesla battery life, including driving habits and frequent usage of Tesla superchargers —which accelerates deterioration compared to usual home charging.

Tesla Battery Lifespan by Model

Tesla Model

Estimated Battery Lifespan

Model 3 RWD

8 years / 100,000 miles

Model 3 Long Range AWD

8 years / 120,000 miles

Model 3 Performance

8 years / 120,000 miles

Model S

8 years / 150,000 miles

Model S Plaid

8 years / 150,000 miles

Model X

8 years / 150,000 miles

Model X Plaid

8 years / 150,000 miles

Model Y Long Range AWD

8 years / 120,000 miles

Model Y Performance

8 years / 120,000 miles

Model 3

The Model 3 Tesla electric vehicle comes with a battery capacity that can store 50 to 75 kWh of electricity. With a Tesla battery life of 500,000 and 800,000 kilometres, this model is more than enough for regular driving. After around 3500,000 kilometers, users might expect a 10% decrease in capability, suggesting gradual deterioration over time. The Model 3's 8-year or 180,000 km warranty covers the performance of the battery, based on the model.

Model S and Model X

Just like the Model 3, the Model Y from Tesla comes with a battery capacity that ranges from 75 to 82 kWh. Its battery life is comparable, ranging from 500,000 to 800,000 kilometres. The general dependability of Tesla's battery technology is shown by the 10% decline in capacity that owners may anticipate after 200,000 miles. The Model Y's warranty is comparable to that of other models; depending on the configuration, it covers 180,000 km or 8 years.

Model Y

Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y, similar to the Model 3, has a battery capacity ranging from 75 to 82 kWh. It offers a comparable battery lifespan of 300,000 to 500,000 miles. After 200,000 miles, owners can expect a 10% reduction in capacity. This shows how reliable Tesla's battery technology is overall. The Model Y's guarantee covers it for 8 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on the specific model configuration. This is the same as other types.

How To Tell If Tesla's Battery Is Degradated?

Checking a Tesla's battery health is essential if you want to know how long does a Tesla battery lasts and tell If Tesla's battery is degradated. The easiest way involves charging the vehicle to 100% and comparing the displayed range to the original EPA-rated range. 

Tesla often updates the software to change the range based on improvements in the motor economy, so this method has some drawbacks. For example, a 2019 software change raised the range of the Model 3 Long Range from 310 miles to 325 miles, which makes the earlier figures less accurate.

How To Tell If Tesla's Battery Is Degradated?

How To Tell If Tesla's Battery Is Degradated?

Another method involves charging the car from 10% to full. You can then note the "+kWh" number displayed on the screen or app. Divide this figure by 0.9 and compare it to the original usable battery capacity. Although this approach could be better, it provides a reasonable estimate of battery health.

In 2022, Tesla introduced a battery health test that is available in service mode. To perform it, you can connect the car to a 240-volt Level 2 charger when the battery is below 50%. Enter Service mode through the car’s Software page, type "Service" as the access code, and follow the prompts to start the health test. The vehicle will discharge to 0% and then recharge to 100%. Once complete, the battery health percentage will appear, reflecting overall battery condition, not just capacity.

Based on our experience, we advise you to avoid using this test frequently, as it stresses the battery. If the health percentage is above 70%, Tesla typically doesn't cover the pack under warranty. An annual check-up can help monitor battery condition, though gradual degradation remains a normal part of electric vehicle ownership.

Factors That Influence Tesla Battery Life

How you charge Tesla batteries affects their lifespan

How you charge Tesla batteries affects their lifespan.

A Tesla's (or any electric vehicle's) range is affected by a lot of things other than the battery's age and condition. How far you can really go on a single charge is affected by these variables. Some important aspects that may impact the range of Tesla’s battery life are:

Driving Habits and Usage

Driving habits significantly affect how long does a Tesla battery lasts. Frequent long trips and high-speed travel can increase Tesla battery wear. Drivers who frequently accelerate quickly or brake hard may shorten battery lifespan, too. Additionally, daily commute length impacts overall Tesla battery health; longer commutes can lead to more significant wear over time.

Charging Practices

How you charge your Tesla batteries is also very important, especially for how long they last. If you use Superchargers for fast charging all the time, your battery could fail faster than if you charged it at home, as it takes longer.

We suggest charging your Tesla between 20% and 80% of the way to full for the best battery life. This helps the battery keep its power and keeps it from being overworked. Knowing about these things can make owning a Tesla better.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to replace a Tesla battery?

Replacement of a Tesla battery normally costs between $5,000 and $7,000, based on the model and service necessary. Labour costs and warranty coverage might have an impact on the ultimate pricing. For additional details, see our page on Tesla battery replacement costs’s post.

2. Is charging a Tesla cheaper than gas?

Yes, it is usually cheaper to charge a Tesla than to fill up a gas-powered car. In Australia, charging costs can be anywhere from $0.15 to $0.45 per kilowatt-hour, while gas prices often go over $3.00 per gallon. So, people who own Tesla cars will save more money on gas over time.

3. How often do Tesla batteries fail?

Tesla batteries are built to last, and after a few years of use, you won't notice much of a difference in their performance. The usual range for a Tesla battery is 300,000 to 500,000 miles before it has to be changed. Although batteries seldom fail, their performance could decrease with time as a result of everyday use and overuse of the Tesla Supercharger.

Example blog post
Example blog post
Example blog post