Tesla is at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, in part because their products have some of the industry’s best battery ranges. If you’re worried about how long your Tesla battery lasts, fear not: the company has cars that last for 300-400 miles. Read on to find out how ranges differ between Tesla models, why different cars have different ranges, and more.
Key takeaways
- On average, Tesla batteries last for 336 miles on a single charge
- Tesla car models all have different estimated ranges – from the Model 3 at 267 miles to the Model S at 405 miles
- Tesla’s stated ranges are estimates, and factors like your driving style and the weather conditions will impact how long your battery actually lasts
- Tesla’s batteries are supposed to last for between 300,000 and 500,000 miles over the course of their life
- Browse solar panel systems on EnergySage and start powering your electric car with solar
Tesla ranges by car model
On average, Tesla car batteries last for 336 miles on a single charge. The lowest range Tesla, the Model 3, lasts for 267 miles, while the longest range Tesla, the Model S, lasts for 405 miles. These are stated mileage averages by Tesla, so it’s definitely not a guarantee that your Tesla will get exactly the range listed below. Factors like your driving style and the weather will impact just how long your Tesla’s battery lasts.
With more and more offerings each year, Teslas come in many different ranges on a fully-charged battery:
How long do Tesla batteries last? Ranges by car model
| Model and version | Range | Top speed |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | 267 miles | 140 MPH |
| Model 3 Long Range | 334 miles | 145 MPH |
| Model 3 Performance | 315 miles | 162 MPH |
| Model S | 405 miles | 155 MPH |
| Model S Plaid | 396 miles | 200 MPH |
| Model X | 351 miles | 155 MPH |
| Model X Plaid | 335 miles | 163 MPH |
| Model Y Long Range | 318 miles | 135 MPH |
| Model Y Performance | 303 miles | 155 MPH |
All of these Tesla models have impressive ranges, especially compared to other electric vehicles on the market. With Tesla’s network of chargers growing around the country, you can even take most of these cars on long road trips and feel relatively comfortable getting where you need to go.
For a daily commuter, the Model 3 will perform just fine, and might need charging every few days. For longer road trips, either Model S option provides tons of range, so you can get where you need to go without stopping at Superchargers – super-fast charging stations – too many times along the way.
Why do ranges for Tesla cars vary by model?
After seeing how long each Tesla’s battery is supposed to last, you might be asking yourself why all of Tesla’s cars have differing ranges. Just like conventional gas-powered car makers, Tesla’s car models each have elements that make them unique, and subsequently impact how long their batteries last. Most importantly, battery size and car model each play a big part in determining a car’s specific range.
Battery size
As a general rule of thumb, a bigger battery means more energy stored, therefore a longer range. For example, the Tesla Model S has a 98 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, while the Model 3 is equipped with a 80.5 kWh battery. This makes sense, as the Model S has a much longer range than the Model 3 (405 miles vs. 267 miles, respectively).
Tesla model
At the end of the day, electric cars that use their stored energy more efficiently will get more mileage out of their battery. Aerodynamics, friction between tires and the road, drivetrain efficiency, car weight, and more all play a role. A Tesla model with state-of-the-art drivetrain technology (usually in newer models) and low weight will use stored electricity more efficiently than a model with an older, less efficient drivetrain and a bulkier frame.
What else impacts Tesla battery ranges?
Want to get the most out of your Tesla’s battery? Your individual driving style and the weather conditions you take your Tesla out in impact how long its battery lasts. In general, driving at high speeds, stop-and-go driving, uphill driving, and short trips put a strain on your battery, and will decrease your overall range faster. Additionally, Tesla batteries don’t last as long if you’re driving in cold weather.
Tesla’s car battery warranty
It’s one thing to know how long a Tesla battery could last, and it’s another entirely to know how long it should last with reasonable performance. This is where warranties come in – Tesla’s warranties cover a period of time OR mileage driven, and then guarantee that your battery will retain 70% of it’s starting capacity by that point. So, for the Model S, Tesla says that if your car holds less than 70% of its original battery capacity after driving it for 8 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first), you are eligible for “any repair or replacement necessary to correct defects in the materials or workmanship”, for free.
Tesla car battery warranties by model
| Car | Warranty | Battery capacity retention |
|---|---|---|
| Model S | 8 years or 150,000 miles | 70% |
| Model X | 8 years or 150,000 miles | 70% |
| Model 3 | 8 years or 100,000 miles | 70% |
| Model 3 Long Range | 8 years or 120,000 miles | 70% |
| Model 3 Performance | 8 years or 120,000 miles | 70% |
| Model Y Long Range | 8 years or 120,000 miles | 70% |
| Model Y Performance | 8 years or 120,000 miles | 70% |
The lowest mileage warranty available from Tesla currently is their Model 3 warranty at 100,000 miles for 8 years. For context, that’s 12,500 miles a year, 240 miles a week, or 24 miles a day, which is still probably plenty for most car owners!
How long do Tesla batteries last?
According to Elon Musk on Twitter, Tesla car batteries are supposed to technically last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles, which is 1,500 battery cycles. That’s between 22 and 37 years for the average car driver, who, according to the Department of Transportation, drives about 13,500 miles per year.
Importantly, this is not the same distance that Tesla warranties. After 100,000 to 150,000 miles (depending on model), Tesla no longer covers repairs and replacements for you if your battery degrades past a certain point, so there’s no promising how well your battery will work after being driven that far.
If you’re driving 300,000 to 500,000 miles on one Tesla car battery, you’re probably working with a pretty beat up battery by the end. Pricing for replacing your Tesla’s battery is hard to come by, but you don’t have to wait for all that mileage to make a replacement. In the same tweet mentioned above, Musk claims that it would cost between $5,000 and $7,000 to replace a battery module – but keep in mind that the battery pack in your Tesla contains multiple modules, so it may not be cost effective to replace your whole battery.
Teslas vs. gas-powered cars: which lasts longer?
Tesla’s cars have some of the best ranges for electric vehicles, so how do they stack up against popular gas-powered cars? Here are six popular cars on the market and their ranges that each can be seen as alternatives to certain Tesla models:
- Honda Accord: 488 miles
- Toyota Corolla: 436 miles
- Nissan Altima: 518 miles
- BMW 330i: 468 miles
- Audi A7: 463 miles
- Audi Q7: 450 miles
In general, gas-powered cars travel farther than Teslas – this is when comparing the distance they can travel on one tank of gas to the distance a Tesla can travel on one full charge. The Model S, with its 405-mile range, is the closest Tesla model, and it doesn’t fall far behind some of these gas cars. As electric vehicle battery technology continues to advance, it likely won’t be long until ranges for gas and electric cars are essentially the same.
How do I charge my Tesla?
One of the most common questions about Teslas and electric cars in general is about charging them – with generally lower range per tank/full battery than traditional gas-powered cars, how can you make sure you’re charged up and won’t get stranded? In reality, this is likely not a problem for the vast majority of car owners: you simply don’t travel far enough at once or into remote enough places to not have access to a charger. Whether it’s at your home with a wall connector or at one of Tesla’s many Supercharger locations around the world, you’ll most likely be able to get your Tesla fueled up just fine.
Frequently asked questions about Teslas
It can take anywhere from an hour to 12 hours to fully charge a Tesla – the time it takes varies by model and type of charger (wall outlet, high-powered wall outlet, wall connector, or Supercharger). Standard outlets are the slowest, providing about three miles of range per hour, while Superchargers are the fastest at about 30 minutes for a full charge. Somewhere in between are wall connectors, which take roughly eight to ten hours for a full charge, depending on the car model.
The cost to fully charge a Tesla also varies by model. For the four base models the company offers, here are the estimated charging costs for one full charge:
• Model 3: $8.71 to fully charge
• Model S: $16.56 to fully charge
• Model X: $16.57 to fully charge
• Model Y: $12.29 to fully charge
Learn more about Tesla charging costs (and how they compare to fueling a traditional car) in our article.
A Tesla currently costs between $43,990 and $129,990 depending on model. At the more affordable end is the Model 3, and at the top end of the range is the Model S Plaid.
Power your Tesla (or any electric vehicle) with solar
If you’re looking to lower your Tesla charging costs, the best way to do so is by going solar! On the EnergySage Marketplace, you can compare up to seven quotes from our network of pre-screened installers, allowing you to find a system that fits your needs at the right price. If you’re planning to charge an EV at your home, be sure to make a note in your account so installers can size your system accordingly – that way, you’ll be able to power your car with renewable energy generated right at your home!