A significant factor in the decision to purchase an electric vehicle is range. Whether you’re considering single-charge battery life or overall lifespan, you will want to know how many miles a Tesla gets before you decide to purchase one.
In this guide, we will breakdown the ranges of the Tesla model lineup. We will also assess battery life, overall capacity and charging options.
We compare driving ranges of popular gasoline cars to Tesla EVs. At the end of the article, we address the most commonly asked Tesla battery questions.
How Many Miles Can A Tesla Go On A Battery?
Tesla models have different battery ranges, between 272 miles and 405 miles, based on the model and battery capacity you select and how you operate your EV. In general, all Tesla batteries are designed to last for more than 30,000 miles, on average, more than twenty years.
An overview of Tesla battery range per model:
#1. Model 3.
The Model 3 is a four-door compact executive sedan with production started up in 2017. Original production launched with only thirty units to gauge public reception. The Model 3 is now available in many configurations.
With the Standard Range option, there is a rating of 272 miles for a single charge, which is the lowest battery range across the lineup.
With the Performance configuration, the battery range is rated for a maximum of 315 miles, while the Model 3 Long Range is rated for 358 miles maximum on a single charge.
#2. Model S.
The Tesla Model S is hatchback car that has been around since 2012 and is the company’s flagship vehicle.
Currently, the models can offer as high as 1,020 horsepower. So, what is the impact on battery capacity? The Plaid version has Tri-Motor AWD and can achieve as much as 396 miles on a charge.
There is a standard configuration with dual-motor AWD on the base dual-motor p model, which has the longer range of 405 miles.
#3. Model X.
The Tesla Model X exists in the mid-sized crossover model features the infamous falcon wing doors.
The vehicle has the same range of configurations as the S discussed above. The Plaid Tri-Motor AWD has a range of 348 miles.
On the other hand, you can choose the standard configuration, which has the dual-motor AWD and has the longest range of 333 miles.
#4. Model Y.
With the Tesla Model Y, you have the newest compact crossover from Tesla. The Model Y was introduced in 2020 and is based on the Model 3, so typically both configuration options from the Y are the dual-motor AWD.
The Performance model seats five while providing up to 303 miles of range.
The Long Range seats up to seven in both the mainstream configuration with the same 330-mile range rating.
Factors Affecting Tesla Battery Range
#1. Tesla Model.
There are four models available and the battery capacity and driving range varies depending on the model you choose. Generally speaking, the greater driving range the offer you the more you can expect to pay overall.
In addition, there could be a reason that you have to choose a model that has a lesser driving range.
If you purchased the Model X that seats five instead of the one that seats seven, you will find that driving range may drop.
#2. Battery size.
The biggest factor in the driving range may quite frankly just be how big the battery is. The larger the battery capacity the more power it will provide.
Of course, the model also goes along with the capacity to help determine how much power it needs to output at any given time.
The Model 3 has less battery capacity hence the range is of course less, but the total price you are paying for the price will help you stay in your budget.
As the battery size increases the driving range also increases, but the total amount you will spend up front for a larger battery is greater.
#3. Way You Drive.
You can change your EV’s range dramatically with the way you drive it. To maximize range, you want to drive as efficient as possible.
If you’re heavy on the accelerator and quick to brake, your battery usage will be much higher. Alternatively, if you try to maintain a reasonable speed, you will achieve higher range.
You can also help the range by reducing the cargo weight you’re carrying and ensuring proper tire inflation.
When you don’t need the accessories, leave them off. For example, if you don’t need air conditioning, you will save a lot of battery.
How Many Miles Is The Total Battery Life Of A Tesla?
How does a regular driving range correlate to how long the battery lasts overall? You may have a range of anywhere from 272 miles to 405 miles per charge, but how many times can you do this before the battery begins to lose valuable capacity?
The average American drives about 14,000 miles a year. Therefore, if the Tesla car battery is rated for a lifetime of approximately 300,000 miles, this could b in excess of twenty years of driving.
However, this is not the case for all Tesla drivers, which should be noted. The Tesla battery seems to degrade after 160,000 miles and does so slowly after that.
This degradation may never be more than ten percent capacity lost each time. Each time it drops, it will negatively affect how far you may drive on a charge.
A Tesla battery is covered under warranty for 100,000 to 150,000 miles, or eight years. If the battery should fail within that period of use, the replacement will not be solely your responsibility.
In addition, Tesla is working on a million-mile battery. For now, it is difficult to believe technology is prepared for that many miles, but we will see.
Tesla Battery Charging Options
Teslas use lithium-ion batteries that come with a preset capacity. However, charging speed is always the same.
We’ll use the Model S as an example. The Model S comes with an 11.5 kW Onboard Charger, this charger charges the battery at a rate of 11.5 kW per hour. For example, if the battery is 60 kWh, it will take six hours to charge the battery with this deployment.
Unfortunately, Tesla does not include a wall charger with the vehicle. If you want to charge your EV at home, you need to purchase the wall charger separately. However, a mobile charger comes with the vehicle as a back up method.
If you want to charge the Tesla outside of home you can use a public station. Tesla Superchargers are located in urban and high traffic areas, however they charge money.
Tesla’s Supercharger infrastructure is continuing to grow across country and, they are pretty easy to find.
Still, you should use the Supercharger only when absolutely necessary, continually using a Supercharger can reduce the overall functionality and lifespan of the EV battery. Whenever possible, you should stick with a slower charge.
How Does Tesla’s Driving Range Compare to Gasoline Vehicles?
Can you drive longer in a gas-powered vehicle vs. an EV vehicle like a Tesla? It will depend on what model you choose. In the case of the smallest Tesla, it is rated for up to 272 miles on one charge and this is going to be much shorter than most will get on a full tank of gas with any car.
However, the 405 miles of the Tesla car is going to be much closer to that of the typical gas-powered vehicles. For example, the Toyota Corolla will drive more than 430 miles on a full tank and the Honda Accord will drive more than 480 miles.
Also, the BMW 330i will drive more than 460 miles and the Audi A7 can drive that far as well. The Audi Q7 is rated for just a little less. The Nissan Altima can drive more than 510 miles without a fill up at the gas station.
How Long Can Tesla Last on a Full Charge?
The battery range is completely dependent on the model, your driving habits and how full the battery is charged, while new batteries have an estimated Tesla range of 272-405 miles.
As it is unlikely you will use a full charge, especially if you are using air conditioning or other electronics, you will more than likely see improved numbers.
How Much Does it Cost to Fully Charge a Tesla?
In general, Tesla charging costs are considerably less than filling up a car with gasoline. The amount you pay to charge the battery will vary based on your model and how you recharge it, but typically, you are looking at a cost between $9-$20.
There are several ways you can offset the costs, such as paying for unlimited charging through Tesla.
How Fast do Tesla Charge?
When charging at home, you may take hours or overnight to charge your battery, and the fastest way to charge a Tesla would be use a Tesla Supercharger.
On average, you gain approximately 200 miles in charge for around 15 minutes of a charge. This is typically quicker than other EV options.
How much does a new Tesla battery cost?
You won’t buy a new battery for the first eight years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, due to the warranty.
If you need a new Tesla battery after that, it could cost $9,000 or more for a remanufactured battery. A new battery will cost $20,000 or more, varying based on capacity and model.
Is charging free at Tesla?
Charging with a Tesla Supercharger varies by location, but typically costs around $0.25 per kw. Tesla has an unlimited free supercharging feature, so you can stop at your local stations with zero cost.
How many miles can I drive my Tesla? As you can see, things like the specific model, battery capacity and how you drive ultimately impact the overall mileage.
Typically, Tesla can be driven anywhere from 272 to 405 estimated range. We see that range is typically better than other EV models.
Tesla will also be releasing batteries that will go even longer. We expect some dramatic increase in the driving you can get from a Tesla car in the coming years.