Switching to an electric car is the best way to embrace a greener and more sustainable future. Since Tesla is one of the most known manufacturers of electric cars, it's normal to wonder how well they will fare over time.
One of the big questions about sustainability is how long a Tesla battery lasts before you must replace it. Let's explore this topic!
How Long Does a Single Tesla Battery Charge Last?
In order to understand the bigger picture, it's worth starting small. How long you should expect your Tesla to go before you need to plug it in to recharge depends primarily on your car model.Most Tesla models' batteries provide around 300 miles of range before they need recharging. On the lower end of the spectrum is the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range, with an EPA-estimated range of 272 miles on one charge.
The Tesla Model S Dual Motor, however, allows you to drive up to 405 miles before needing to recharge, according to its EPA estimate. The upcoming Tesla Cybertruck is expected to have a range of up to 500 miles. Here are other awesome features of the Tesla Cybertruck.
Even so, you should take into account your driving habits if you want to improve your EV's range. More succinctly, aggressive driving and high speeds will use up your power faster than moderate driving.
According to the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, the average US citizen drives around 260 miles per week. This means most average drivers only need to charge their Tesla once a week—unless they're going on a long-distance trip.
How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last?
Tesla batteries don't go by time but by usage. According to a Tweet by Elon Musk, Tesla batteries should last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles.Based on an average driving distance of 260 miles per week, a new Tesla battery can last anywhere between 22 and 37 years. However, how long your Tesla battery will last depends on how you take care of the EV battery. For instance, you can degrade your EV battery faster if you often supercharge it. In addition to that, your EV battery could degrade faster if it’s exposed to extremely low or high temperatures and if it is frequently rapid-charged.
Regardless, you can expect your battery to still have around 70 to 75 percent of its capacity after around eight years of use, anywhere from 100,000 to 150,000 miles—this is the average battery warranty if you own a Tesla. Beyond that, Tesla guarantees that it will replace the battery if it degrades by more than 30% during its warranty period.
When It's Time To Replace Your Tesla Battery
Tesla batteries are far from cheap. Replacing a Tesla battery can cost you up to $25,000 to replace an entire brand-new pack. If you need a separate module (of which there can be up to 16 in a Tesla battery) to be replaced, the cost for each unit ranges between $5,000 and $7,000.You can also opt for a refurbished pack, that could cost you between $13,000 to $17,000, but you aren't guaranteed that it can hold as much current as a brand-new pack. Here is an in-depth guide if you want to know how much it will cost to replace a Tesla battery.
Figuring Out Your Own Numbers
Battery longevity and performance are measured in controlled environments to get comparable results between various tests. However, driving in the real world comes with a lot of variables. This means that you should consider your driving habits, the distance you drive regularly, and how well you take care of your Tesla batteries.However, you should still expect your Tesla batteries to last at least 300,000 to 500,000 miles before they're due for a replacement.