Tesla Reveals the Lifespan of Its Electric Car Batteries (2 photos)
Tesla has officially announced the average lifespan of its electric vehicle batteries for the first time. According to the company's internal statistics, the battery typically loses about 20% of its capacity after 200,000 miles (approximately 320,000 km) on US roads. However, this figure may vary significantly in other regions.
The company notes that in Europe, where cars are used differently, the same degradation occurs at 150,000 miles (approximately 240,000 km). The age of the car plays no less a role here than the distance traveled. Tesla emphasizes that such a resource corresponds to the service life of the car itself: for 10-13 years, which is the typical service life of cars in the USA, the battery retains up to 80% of its initial capacity. At the same time, the company itself gives a guarantee for only 8 years.
Against this background, Chinese manufacturers are setting new standards. For example, CATL, together with the auto company NIO, are preparing a 15-year guarantee for batteries with a degradation of no more than 15% during this time. CATL already produces energy storage devices with a 12-20-year service life, and batteries for electric vehicles may soon have the same durability.
Tesla has not yet announced a warranty extension, but is preparing to release new LFP batteries based on equipment from CATL at its own plant in the USA. In addition to reducing costs, the transition to new technologies may allow the company to offer a longer guarantee and increase confidence in its electric vehicles in the secondary market.