What happens to Tesla batteries after 610,000 km (3 photos)

In other words, what happens if you don't replace the factory battery and continue driving with it as if nothing happened, even after all warranties have expired?





The inevitable decline in battery capacity over time remains one of the significant psychological barriers when choosing an electric vehicle. And while studies show that most electric vehicles lose much less range than expected, the actual level of battery degradation is rarely recorded.

In search of an answer, one Canadian video blogger tested a used 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus sedan. This electric vehicle, having covered 610,838 km, retained its original factory battery and continues to operate without any major mechanical issues. The warranty on the battery (at least 70% capacity) and powertrain was for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.

After fully charging the battery, the testers noted that the on-board electronics estimated the maximum range to have decreased from the 386 km (240 mi) the Model 3 had when new to 254 km (155 mi), a 34.2% reduction. Naturally, the bloggers weren't content to stop at the computer readings, and during a test drive on a highway in Southern Manitoba at a steady 110 km/h (68 mph), the vehicle traveled 222 km (138 mi), consuming 32.4 kWh of electricity. In real-world conditions, the reduction in mileage from the stated range was almost 43%.