The longevity of EV batteries like those in Tesal vehicles is easily misunderstood. Someone who has never owned an EV before might be hesitant to buy one since battery life is still something of an unknown quantity.
Tesla battery life can be measured in two ways: mileage and number of charge cycles. Here’s an overview:
Mileage:
- Estimated lifespan: According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Tesla batteries are designed to last around 300,000 to 500,000 miles.
- Warranty: Tesla offers a warranty that covers the battery for 8 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. This guarantees at least 70% capacity retention during the warranty period.
Number of Charge Cycles:
- Estimated cycles: A single charge cycle consists of fully charging and discharging the battery. Tesla batteries are designed to last for around 1,500 full charge cycles while maintaining a good capacity.
How long do Tesla batteries last by model?
Tesla cars can go quite far on a single charge, with an average range of around 336 miles. But keep in mind that data are just rough estimates from Tesla, and your actual range may vary. The Tesla Model 3, with the shortest range, usually gets about 263 miles, while the Model S, with the longest range, can go as far as 412 miles on a full charge.
How far you go on a charge depends on a few things. Your driving style matters – if you drive aggressively, like speeding and quick starts, your range might not be as good. On the flip side, driving more calmly and efficiently can help you maximize your range.
Weather is another factor. Extremely hot or cold weather can affect the battery’s performance and lower your range. But Tesla’s battery system tries to help with that and keep things running as well as possible.