When you're thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV), one of the big questions on your mind is probably about the battery and how long it's going to last. Tesla, one of the world's leading EV makers, says their batteries should be good for 300,000 to 500,000 miles or around 1,500 battery cycles. But, what's the real story?
Image courtesy of InsideEVs
Unlike regular gas cars, where you can look back at older models and see how they held up over time, EVs are relatively new, and data about how long electric car batteries will actually last are murky. Here's the thing: battery technology has come a long way in recent years. They've improved how batteries work and last. So, the batteries in today's electric vehicles are quite different from those in EVs from the last decade.
While pinning down exact figures is quite a challenge, coming up with a rough estimate of how long Tesla car batteries last can help you make an informed decision.
What charging options do I have when buying a Tesla?
Charging a Tesla is a straightforward process. You have three primary options: home charging, public charging, and Tesla Superchargers.
Home Charging: Most Tesla owners opt for home charging. You can use a Mobile Connector plugged into a standard household outlet (120V), but it's relatively slow. For faster charging, a Tesla Wall Connector plugged into a 240V outlet is recommended.
Public Charging: Public charging stations are increasingly prevalent, and Tesla vehicles can use non-Tesla charging stations with an adapter. These stations vary in speed, with Level 2 chargers offering quicker charging compared to Level 1.
Tesla Superchargers: Tesla has its network of Superchargers strategically located across the world. Superchargers provide the fastest charging speeds, ideal for long trips and quick top-ups.
How do you charge your Tesla?
Electric cars tend to have a shorter range than regular gas cars, so it's natural to wonder how you'll keep your car charged and avoid running out of power.
In reality, this isn't a big problem for most people. Usually, everyday driving doesn't involve long trips or taking you to places where there's no way to charge. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average driver only goes about 37 miles a day. That's less than what most Teslas can do on a single charge.
Now, if you have a long drive to work every day, you might need to charge your Tesla often or just give it a bit of a charge to make sure you can get back home. The good thing is, you can usually charge your Tesla at home using a Wall Connector, or you can stop at a Tesla Supercharger, or use Tesla Destination charger spots.
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, these are just rough estimates from Tesla, and your actual range may vary. The Tesla Model 3, with the shortest range, usually gets about 267 miles, while the Model S, with the longest range, can go as far as 405 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.
In the end, while Tesla gives these range estimates, it's good to know that your real-world range will depend on how you drive and the weather you're driving in.
Tesla's battery warranty chart
According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Tesla car batteries are supposed to last around 300,000 to 500,000 miles or about 1,500 times of charging and discharging. For the average driver, who drives about 13,476 miles per year (as per the Department of Transportation), this means the battery should be good for roughly 22 to 37 years.
While understanding how long a Tesla vehicle's battery could last is important, it's just as crucial to know how long it should last with reasonable use.
Tesla's new battery and drive unit warranty covers:
Duration or Mileage: The warranty generally spans eight years or between 100,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on the specific Tesla model, covering whichever threshold is reached first.
Guaranteed Battery Capacity: Tesla commits to ensuring that the battery maintains at least 70 percent of its original capacity throughout the warranty period.
For example, if you own a Model 3 and find that your car's battery retains less than 70 percent of its initial capacity after eight years or between 100,000 to 150,000 miles (whichever comes first), you are entitled to receive "any necessary repair or replacement to address defects in materials or workmanship" at no additional cost. This warranty reassures Tesla owners about their vehicle's performance and battery capacity over an extended period.
Most Teslas sold in the U.S. use nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) lithium-ion batteries. But recently, Tesla has started using a different type of battery called lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) in some of the cheaper Model 3 versions. These LFP batteries may not hold as much energy as the NCA ones, but they are tougher and last longer.
Tesla also uses 12V lithium-ion batteries (formerly lead-acid batteries) to supply power to smaller components and systems within the vehicle. These include lights, power window motors, wiper motors, power lift gates, washer fluid pumps, ABS electronics, the central display, and other functions.
Most recently, Tesla started using a new, bigger battery called 4680 nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) in the Model Y Standard Range AWD from its Texas Gigafactory. But it's going to take more than ten years to see how well these new batteries perform in the real world.
Tesla battery degradation
Tesla's battery technology operates in a way that's quite similar to other types of rechargeable batteries. As time goes on and your Tesla gets used, its battery gradually loses some of its capacity to hold a charge. Think about how a new smartphone's battery life compares to one that's been in use for a few years - through the regular process of charging and discharging, the battery tends to lose a bit of its capacity to store energy.
This kind of battery deterioration is not unique to Tesla; it's a common characteristic of many rechargeable batteries, whether they're in an electric car, a home energy storage system, or even a simple AA rechargeable battery. That's why Tesla, like many other manufacturers, offers a warranty that assures a certain percentage of battery capacity for a specific period. This warranty helps ensure that you continue to enjoy good performance from your Tesla even as the battery naturally goes through this process.
Tips to increase your Tesla battery’s life
Here are some practical tips designed to assist in maintaining the health of your Tesla battery pack, potentially reducing degradation, and ultimately extending its longevity.
Use superchargers sparingly. Reserve rapid charging for when you genuinely need a quick top-up during long trips. Fast charging generates heat, which could wear down your battery pack. Regular use of Superchargers can speed up battery degradation.
Don't charge above 80% unless you need to. While it's tempting to keep your battery at 100%, charging to 80% on a daily basis is usually sufficient for everyday use. Save a full charge for when you need the extended range.
Maintain a regular charging schedule. Maintaining a consistent charging routine can help your battery management system operate optimally. Charging at the same time each day can contribute to a longer battery life.
Drive more smoothly. Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can wear down your battery more quickly. Drive gently to extend your battery's life.
What else impacts Tesla battery ranges?
The range of a Tesla vehicle, or any electric vehicle, is influenced by various factors beyond just the age or health of the battery. These factors can significantly impact the real-world range you can achieve on a single charge. Here are some key factors that can affect Tesla battery ranges:
Temperature: Temperature has a significant impact on battery performance. Extremely cold or hot weather can reduce the range of a Tesla. Cold temperatures can reduce the efficiency of the battery and limit its ability to deliver power. On the other hand, hot temperatures can also affect EV batteries negatively and may require more energy to cool the battery.
Terrain: Hilly or mountainous terrain can affect your range as the vehicle may need to work harder to climb hills. Regenerative braking on downhill slopes can help, but it's not always enough to offset the increased energy consumption during uphill climbs.
Payload: Carrying additional weight, such as passengers or cargo, can reduce your range because the vehicle needs more energy to move a heavier load.
Tire Pressure: Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance, which requires more energy to move the vehicle. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure can improve efficiency and range.
Wind Resistance: Headwinds or strong winds can impact range, especially at high speeds. A strong headwind increases aerodynamic resistance, requiring more power to maintain speed.
Regenerative Braking: Efficient use of regenerative braking can help extend the range. Regenerative braking captures and stores energy when you decelerate or brake, which is then used to recharge the battery.
Tesla battery replacement cost
Image courtesy of Teslarati
While your Tesla battery is still under warranty, Tesla will handle repairs or replacements without any cost to you. However, once the warranty period is over, the responsibility for replacing the battery falls on the owner, and it's worth noting that this is one of the more expensive components to replace in a Tesla.
In a tweet, Elon Musk mentioned a replacement battery module could range from $5,000 to $7,000. It's important to keep in mind that a Tesla battery pack comprises multiple modules.
The actual cost of replacing a Tesla battery in the real world can vary significantly, depending on the extent of the replacement required. Real-life examples have shown that Tesla owners may receive service quotes for battery pack replacements that can reach as high as $20,000 to $30,000. The variation in costs underscores the importance of evaluating your specific situation and getting accurate estimates from Tesla service centers.
As your Tesla ages, the potential Tesla battery cost post-warranty serves as a crucial factor to consider, reminding owners to plan ahead and weigh the financial implications of maintaining their electric vehicles.
FAQs
How often does a Tesla battery need to be replaced?
The duration a Tesla battery lasts per charge can vary depending on the model and other factors. On average, Tesla batteries provide around 336 miles on a full charge, but it can range from 267 miles for some models to 405 miles for others.
How much does it cost to replace a Tesla battery?
The cost of replacing a Tesla battery can vary widely. Replacing a battery module may cost between $5,000 to $7,000, but overall battery pack replacements can range from $20,000 to $30,000. The exact cost depends on your specific situation and the extent of the replacement needed.
How often does a Tesla battery need to be replaced?
The frequency of replacing a Tesla battery depends on factors like usage, driving conditions, and model. Typically, Tesla batteries are designed to last at least 8 years or around 100,000 to 150,000 miles, as per the warranty.
What is the life expectancy of a Tesla car?
The life expectancy of a Tesla car can vary, but many Tesla owners report their vehicles lasting well over a decade with proper maintenance. Tesla's battery and drive unit warranty usually spans 8 years or a specified mileage limit, which can offer a useful guideline.
Is charging a Tesla cheaper than gas?
Charging a Tesla is generally more cost-effective than using gasoline. The exact savings depend on local electricity and fuel prices, but in many regions, electric charging is notably cheaper per mile traveled.
Is battery degradation a consideration when buying a used Tesla?
Battery degradation should be a consideration when purchasing a used Tesla. The degree of degradation depends on the vehicle's history and mileage. While Tesla batteries are known for their durability, it's advisable to check the battery's health before buying a used Tesla to ensure it meets your needs.
