How Long Does A Tesla Battery Last?
A number of automotive manufacturers produce electric vehicles, including Toyota, Chevrolet, Mazda, and Honda. However, Tesla is the most popular and fastest growing brand of electric vehicles. In fact, the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 were the two best-selling electric vehicles of 2021.
Unfortunately, Teslas aren’t cheap. The price of a new Tesla ranges from around $44,000 to nearly $130,000 depending on the model. Buying a new Tesla is a big financial commitment, which is why it’s crucial to do your research before deciding whether this vehicle is right for your lifestyle.
Battery life is one of the most important factors to consider when comparing different electric vehicles. How long does a Tesla battery last? Here’s what you need to know:
How Many Miles Does A Tesla Battery Last?
On average, Tesla batteries last about 336 miles when fully charged. This means if your commute to work is 20 miles one way and 40 miles round trip, you can travel to work and back about 8 times before needing to recharge your vehicle.
However, the battery life can vary depending on the Tesla model as follows:
| Tesla Model | Range |
| Model Y Performance | 303 miles |
| Model Y Long Range | 318 miles |
| Model X Plaid | 335 miles |
| Model X | 351 miles |
| Model S Plaid | 396 miles |
| Model S | 405 miles |
| Model 3 Performance | 315 miles |
| Model 3 Long Range | 334 miles |
| Model 3 | 267 miles |
As you can see, the Model S, which is a sedan, has the longest range after a full charge. On the other hand, the Model 3, which is also a sedan, has the shortest range after a full charge.
Teslas, on average, have longer ranges than most other electric vehicles on the market. For example, even though the Model 3 has the shortest range of all Teslas, it still beats many other popular electric vehicles, including the Chevrolet Bolt, Volkswagen ID.4, and Nissan Leaf. This is one of the reasons why so many consumers prefer Tesla vehicles over other electric cars.
Why Does the Tesla Battery Life Vary?
There are a number of reasons why the battery life varies, including:
- Model Design
- Battery Size
- Driving Style
- Weather Conditions
Model Design
Some Teslas are designed to perform better than others. For example, the Model 3 Long Range is designed to provide a longer battery life than the standard Model 3, which is why the range is different for each of these models.
Battery Size
The size of the battery has a major impact on the battery range. In general, the smaller the battery size, the lower the battery range. This is because bigger batteries can store more energy, which means they can last longer without needing to be recharged. This is why the Model 3, which has the smallest battery of all Teslas, has the lowest battery range.
There’s a reason why the battery size varies depending on the Tesla model. Batteries are expensive, so the larger the battery, the higher the cost. Some Teslas, such as the Model 3, are designed to be more affordable vehicles. To keep costs low, this model was designed with a smaller battery.
Driving Style
How you drive can also impact the range of your battery. Driving fast, sitting in stop-and-go traffic, and driving uphill require more energy, which reduces your battery’s total range. Driving with a significant amount of weight in the car can also deplete your battery faster.
Weather Conditions
Driving in certain weather conditions can reduce your battery’s range, too. Your battery won’t last as long if you are driving in cold temperatures, for example. Other weather conditions, including snow, rain, ice, and wind can also reduce your battery’s range.
When Do Tesla Batteries Need to Be Replaced?
According to CEO Elon Musk, Tesla batteries are supposed to last between 300,000 to 500,000 miles before they need to be replaced. This means a Tesla battery should last about 1,500 battery cycles. A battery cycle is defined as the process of draining a fully charged battery.
The Department of Transportation estimates that the average person drives about 13,500 per year, which means a Tesla battery should last the average driver between 22 to 37 years on the road.
Does A Tesla Battery Come With A Warranty?
Teslas are powered by batteries, which means if the battery stops working, the car won’t operate. For this reason, it’s important to learn about the warranty coverage that Tesla offers on its batteries.
Every Tesla model comes with a warranty that covers the battery. However, the terms of the warranty vary depending on the model as follows:
| Tesla Model | Warranty Coverage |
| Model S, Model X | 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. |
| Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive | 8 years of 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. |
| Model 3 Long Range, Model 3 Performance, Model Y Long Range, Model Y Performance | 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. |
Even though the lifespan of the batteries is between 300,000 to 500,000 miles, they are only covered by warranty for a fraction of this time period. The warranty covers the repair or replacement of the battery that is needed to correct any defects or issues that occurred as a result of normal use.
It’s important to note that the warranty on every Tesla battery comes with a guaranteed minimum 70% retention of battery capacity over the warranty period. In other words, Tesla guarantees that throughout the warranty period, the battery will still be able to hold at least 79% of its original capacity.
How Much Does A Tesla Battery Cost to Replace?
If there is an issue with your Tesla battery, it’s important to get it repaired or replaced right away, otherwise you may not be able to safely operate your vehicle. If it’s still covered by the warranty, you shouldn’t have to pay a dime for the repair or replacement of the battery. However, if you are outside of the warranty period, you are responsible for covering the costs of the necessary repairs or replacement.
The cost of repairing a Tesla battery can vary depending on the issue, so you will need to get a quote from a local mechanic to find out how much it will set you back. Replacing a battery module, on the other hand, can cost between $5,000 to $7,000.
Every Tesla battery is designed with multiple battery modules, so the total cost will depend on how many need to be replaced. If multiple modules need to be replaced, it may cost between $25,000 to $30,000. In this case, it may make more sense to purchase a new car rather than replace the battery.
How Long Do Tesla Cars Last?
The battery is the most important component of a Tesla vehicle, so in general, a Tesla will last as long as its battery does. This should mean that the vehicle will last between 300,000 to 500,000 miles, but you may experience problems with your battery before that depending on your driving style, weather conditions, and other factors.
Fortunately, every Tesla battery is covered by a warranty, but the terms vary by model. This means you shouldn’t have to pay for any battery repairs or replacements during the time period covered by your warranty.
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