How a Tesla Model 3's 217,500-Mile Battery Stacks Up Against One with Just 3,000 Miles

Both Tesla models are three years old, which provides a great opportunity to observe how mileage impacts battery deterioration.

One of my favorite aspects of contemporary electric vehicles is: The batteries have a longer lifespan compared to most vehicles. It represents the greatest optimism that once the early issues are addressed, electric vehicles could potentially become much more dependable than gasoline-powered cars. I’ve discussed this topic previously, but a new video from RSEV offers additional proof that this isn’t really a concern.

In this comparison, they look at a 3-year-old red Tesla Model 3 With 2,995 miles compared to a blue one having logged 217,500 miles. The blue vehicle experienced significantly more wear and tear, accumulating vast distances and frequent rapid charges during its tenure as a taxi service. One might anticipate significant battery deterioration or perhaps even total failure considering such extensive use. However, they would be mistaken. Despite covering an immense distance comparable to the first, average American drives in 16 years The Model 3 retains approximately 88.5% of its battery capacity and offers more than 300 miles of actual driving range.

That's exceptional news when you consider how batteries degrade. The steepest part of the degradation curve is the first year or two, or the first 20,000 miles. During that time, you can see up to 10% degradation. After that, though, the battery becomes remarkably stable, losing less over the next 150,000 miles than you lost in the first 20,000 miles. More importantly, battery failure is uncommon and even rarer. So if we can reach a future where the powertrain in every car on sale is basically guaranteed to survive 200,000 miles in the real world, we'll be ahead of where we are now, where only certain brands and vehicles can get there without costly repairs.

Further Reading

• EV Batteries Can Outlast A Vehicle’s Lifetime With Minimal Degradation, Study Finds
• Contemporary Electric Vehicle Batteries Seldom Malfunction: Research Shows
• This Tesla Model S Has Retained 64% of Its Original Range After Covering 430,000 Miles
• EV Battery Deterioration Simply Isn’t A Big Concern

The positive aspect of this video is particularly relevant for those who do not drive frequently. Given that electric vehicles typically experience considerable loss in range during their initial period, I anticipated that the 2,998-mile Tesla would show noticeable deterioration within the first couple of years. However, that’s not the case; the vehicle has retained almost all its capacity. The battery maintains an impressive 99.5% of its starting charge level.

There's good news beyond the battery for the high-mileage blue car, too. The host reports that the only repair it's needed from Tesla itself is one of the O-rings on the tailgate struts. Everything else has survived well, with even the seat bolsters fairing better than 99% of the 200,000-mile cars I look at on Craigslist every day. The rear seat is holding up great, too, no small feat for a taxi.

It's encouraging to see, as Tesla got off to a rough start with the Model 3. It was plagued with quality issues. Over time, however, the company has consistently improved build quality. While early Model 3s had leaking glass and bumpers that fell off in the rain, newer models can go 200,000 miles without even getting rattly.

So if you're worried about your EV's longevity, here's yet another sign that things are going to work out ok. Most automakers will still have teething issues with new EVs, but after a few years of working out the kinks, these things are going to be way more reliable than the average internal-combustion car.

Contact the author: Mack.Hogan@insideevs.com .

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