Tesla Battery Degradation Calculator
Estimate your vehicle's battery health based on current range vs. original capacity.
Understanding Tesla Battery Longevity
Tesla vehicles use advanced Lithium-ion battery packs engineered to last hundreds of thousands of miles. However, like all batteries, they experience chemical aging and capacity loss over time, commonly known as battery degradation.
What is Normal Degradation?
Data from thousands of Tesla owners suggests that degradation is not linear. Most vehicles experience a sharper drop (5-7%) in the first 20,000 miles, after which the rate of loss slows down significantly. On average, Tesla batteries lose about 1% of capacity every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
Factors Influencing Battery Health
- Charging Habits: Frequent Supercharging and keeping the state of charge (SoC) at 100% for long periods can accelerate wear. For daily use, Tesla recommends a limit of 80% or 90% (unless you have an LFP battery).
- Temperature: Extreme heat is the primary enemy of battery chemistry. Tesla's active thermal management system mitigates this, but desert climates may see faster degradation.
- Cycle Count: Every full discharge and recharge cycle adds wear to the cells.
Common Original Rated Ranges (Reference)
| Model | Variant | Approx. Original Range (EPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | Standard Range Plus (2019-2020) | 240 – 250 miles |
| Model 3 | Long Range (2018-2020) | 310 – 322 miles |
| Model Y | Long Range | 318 – 330 miles |
| Model S | Long Range Plus (2020) | 402 miles |
How to Maintain Your Battery
To maximize the life of your Tesla battery, try to keep the charge level between 20% and 80% for daily driving. Only charge to 100% when preparing for a long road trip, and try to depart shortly after the charge finishes. If your Tesla has an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery (common in newer RWD models), Tesla recommends charging to 100% at least once a week to calibrate the Battery Management System (BMS).