Last Updated on January 24, 2023 by

As a general rule of thumb, the average tesla battery has a range of average of 262 miles on a single charge.

How long can a Tesla battery last per charge?

At a constant speed of 50 mph, a Tesla battery will last 6 hours. Total Tesla battery life by warranty is 8 years, at which time the battery capacity should be more than 70%.

Assuming an average commute time in the United States of 0.5 hours per day, 8 years is the equivalent of 5840 hours driving.

If you are thinking of purchasing yourself a Tesla, the important thing to remember is how many far and long journeys are you planning on taking using your new Tesla.

This is because a lot of Tesla beginners often get caught out and confused with the switch from gas mileage to an electric battery, struggling to wrap their heads around just how far they can travel on an electric battery.

This is called range anxiety – when EV drivers are concerned about getting caught in the middle of a journey with a dying battery and no way to recharge. However, this is a rare occurrence as Tesla models are able to travel for 267-375 miles before needing recharging.

The battery life of Tesla cars is of prime concern for all prospective EV owners – let’s take a look at just how long a Tesla battery lasts. How long you can go before recharge depends on your average driving distance per day, and your driving habits.

Moderate driving will increase the car’s range compared to aggressive driving.

Video – How Many Hours Does A Tesla Battery Last ?

How long does it take for a Tesla Battery to die?

When we say ‘die’, we are probably referring to the ultimate life of the battery cells, which are individual lithium modules. This can vary hugely as it varies according to usage, how fast the cells are charged and discharged, and temperature throughout the vehicles use.

Tesla batteries haven’t been around long enough to assess actual reliability and longevity, but rest assured that other foremost auto companies like Jeep, BMW and Volksagen are catching up fast!

How long does the battery last on a Tesla?

I’ve seen claims of up to 500,000 miles, which is about 30 years of driving at the rate of the average American commute, but as this is a Tesla estimate we should take it with a pinch of salt. In my experience with lithium batteries, life can vary widely according to usage and charging variations.

Total battery life can be anywhere between 300,000 to 500,000 miles, while most EVs have a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Very long service life can be attained if the battery is charge only up to 80% capacity and discharge to about 20%. Slow charging also tends to extend cell life. Aggressive acceleration in Sport mode will also have a negative effect.

Video – How many miles does a Tesla last on a full charge?

Video Transcript:

Can you get 310 miles out of a full charge on the Tesla Model 3? Let’s take it on the freeway and see how far it can go. I’m going to run it until the battery is dead and then have it towed.

After driving 150 miles the dash board says there are 120 miles left in the battery – it doesn’t add up to 310 miles, so not looking too good. The estimate is more like 265 miles.

I’ve driven 190 miles and the battery estimate is only 85 miles. I’m hoping now for 270 mile range, if Idrive carefully.

The battery is close to full discharge. The speed is limited to 35 miles per hour and some functions have shut down. The warning battery power too low has come on but the car is still moving. The speed is limited to about 35 miles an hour.

The car has stopped and the battery has shut down at 275 miles – time to call the tow truck?

Tesla Battery Models

The important thing to remember is that with each model of Tesla, there is likely a different kind of battery included in its design. This means that not all Teslas are equal when it comes to range – so it’s important to keep this in mind when searching for your ideal Tesla.

Tesla Energy Storage System (ESS) is made of of several thousand individual lithium-ion 18650 cells, which have a useful life of 8 to 10 years. However, Tesla states that they are guaranteed for 8 years but unlimited miles.

Li-ion cells are used due to their higher energy density per cell. Claims for Tesla’s battery degradation exceed the top end estimates for similar batteries, such as the Renault Zoe and Toyota Corolla.

The next generation of Tesla model batteries will likely have a higher level of stored energy and possible a modified chemical composition approved by US Environmental Protection Agency.  The Electrochemical Society are experimenting with diverse battery types and are predicted to make a breakthrough soon – the million mile battery approaches!

How Many Types of Tesla Cars Are There?

There are currently four main types of Tesla models. These are the Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model 3, and the Tesla Model Y.

The Tesla Model S is the oldest of the models as it was first launched way back in 2012, and Tesla have continued updating the Model ever since.

There are different versions of the Model S including the Long Range Plus and Plaid while the older versions Standard and Performance were dropped. They are often styled like Jaguar cars with a low, smooth design.

What is the most popular type of Tesla?

The Tesla Model 3 is the affordable alternative to the Model S ,and is a four door sedan that first launched in 2016.
The Tesla Model X is an SUV capable of seating up to seven people and takes a lot of inspiration from the Model S

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that offers a lot of cargo space and protection for family-sized occupants, providing a great amount of comfort and room on all journeys.

What Battery Options Do I Have When Buying a Tesla?

Tesla does not state the size of their battery packs publicly so all everyone has to go from is the range of each car when it is fully charged.

You won’t have much luck when trying to find the exact details of Tesla batteries so if you want to find out how long they last, take a look at the range of each car per single charge.

Do Teslas Use Normal Car Batteries?

Tesla batteries are lithium ion to allow them to be recharged. They work differently from the batteries on internal combustion engine vehicles as you can hardly plug those into an outlet and charge them up like a smartphone.

However, Tesla does use the same kind of battery that is used by all EVs.

We do know that Tesla have announced that they are moving away from using cobalt which other EV batteries rely on, and are moving to a battery unit that will be made up of nickel and magnesium, making these batteries more affordable.

How Long A Tesla Battery Lasts When Fully Charged

Let’s get into the real crux of this article – how long a Tesla battery lasts once it’s fully charged. We now know that each model has a different amount of range so this means that each Tesla car is going to have a different answer.

Tesla range calculator – driving time per Model

There are 6 calculators below, each one set up for a different model. It’s pretty intuitive to use them. If you have a Cybertruck, for example, enter your daily commute into the first field and the second field will show the hours left to drive before you need to recharge.

Tesla model 3 calculator

Tesla model S calculator

Tesla model Y calculator

Tesla model X calculator

Tesla Roadster calculator

Tesla Cybertruck calculator

So, let’s go through each Tesla model to see how long their batteries last.

tesla model 3 battery life per charge

On a single full charge, the Tesla Model S will drive for 405 miles. That’s more than enough distance for your daily commute! Whichever model you choose, keep in mind that Tesla model 3 battery life per charge depends heavily on your driving style

How Long Does a Tesla Model S Battery Last?

Although Tesla does not say how long that lasts when measured by time, driving 405 miles at 70 miles per hour consistently will take you nearly six hours.

Lifespan of a Tesla Battery – How many miles does a Tesla Model S battery last?

Traveling at such a speed obviously requires more power than traveling at slower speeds so this time frame is the absolute minimum of how long your Tesla Model S Plaid battery will last on a single charge. For casual driving, we expect a single charge should easily last for 8 hours.

This outstrips the other Tesla models so if you want the longest battery life per charge, the Tesla Model S is the one for you. Tesla model S battery life is affected by seasonal driving and also how heavy your right foot is on the accelerator.

How Long Does a Tesla Model X Battery Last?

As for the Tesla Model X, it can travel around 305 miles on a full charge. If we say you are traveling at a constant speed of 70 miles per hour, that distance will take you nearly four and a half hours to cover. The difference between the Model S and the Model X is around an hour and half, showing how superior the battery on the Model S is.

tesla model 3 battery life

The Tesla Model 3 is known for having the least amount of range on a single charge. This vehicle can travel for 267 miles which when traveling at 70 miles per hour, this distance would take you nearly four hours.

This by proxy means that the Tesla Model 3 has the shortest battery life per charge.

How Long Does a Tesla Model Y Battery Last?

The Tesla Model Y averages at about 316 miles on a single charge. If you were to travel this distance continually at 50 mph the battery would last 6 hours.

How many miles can a Tesla battery last: batteries compared

Battery life of a Tesla – Replacing Your Tesla Battery

Replacing your Tesla’s battery shouldn’t be a hassle, so let’s take a look at all the things to keep in mind when your Tesla’s battery can no longer keep up with you.

how often do tesla batteries need to be replaced?

Tesla battery lifespan is between 300,000 and 500,000 miles (according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk) which takes the average driver around 20-35 years to drive.

Again, just like with the battery life of a single charge, the life of your Tesla’s battery overall depends heavily on the way you drive and how often.

How long do tesla car batteries last?

Tesla offers a battery warranty that lasts for 8 years, or a certain amount of mileage depending on the model, with a minimum of 70% retention battery capacity. Tesla battery life expectancy can be significantly extended by driving economically and using slow charge whenever possible.

How Long is Tesla’s Battery Warranty?

Tesla’s warranty covers repair and replacement if there are any defects or imperfections in the battery during the first 8 years, whether it’s the materials or the workmanship, which has occurred under normal use.

This means that if your battery starts failing not long after you have bought your Tesla, you should be offered a brand new working battery for no extra cost.

How Much Does a Tesla Battery Cost?

If your warranty has expired and you need a new battery for your Tesla, it will be down to you to arrange a replacement.

Due to the cobalt they contain, EV batteries like the ones used in Teslas are not very affordable and can set you back between $20,000 and $35,000 depending on the size of your battery.

However, with Tesla now moving away from using cobalt in their car batteries, this cost should start to decline once the newer models are released.

How long does a tesla battery take to charge?

The big issue with Teslas and other EVs is how long they take to charge.

Although how long a battery takes to charge does depend on your method of charging, a lot of Tesla drivers are tempted to just stop charging their car when it has enough juice to get them to their destination and back – so perhaps you don’t even need to use a full battery every time you drive.

Take a look here at how long it takes for a Tesla battery to fully charge, and see if you can afford to cut the time in half.

Does the Tesla Model Affect How Long it Takes to Charge?

Yes but very slightly. This is because the battery size on each model is different, hence why there are different ranges for each car. So, it makes sense that some models take longer than others to fully charge but the difference is not as bad as you think.

In reality, the way you charge your Tesla makes more of an impact on charge time than the model of your Tesla does.

How Many Ways Are There to Charge a Tesla?

There are three main ways to charge a Tesla.

The first is to use the provided Mobile Connector cable to plug your Tesla into a regular outlet you can find anywhere, including your home.

The second is to use a Tesla wall connector or a third party charging cable that provides more power than the Mobile Connector.

The third method is to use a Supercharger, a place where you can charge your Tesla up fully for a small price. They act like gas stations but for EVs and Teslas, but are only found near large cities.

Renewable energy is set to play an increasingly important part in all our lives. In the future it’s likely that solar panel systems will play a significant part in the charging process, improving battery peak performance and longevity.  Renewable energy systems should reduce the overall charging cost for all EVs.

Stored energy in solar form will represent longer road trips, with improved driving range using less fuel (electricity!)

How Long Does a Tesla Battery Take to Fully Charge?

The charge time for a Tesla battery depends on the method of charging and the model of your Tesla, if it’s one of the long range models.

When using Tesla Superchargers, the charge time is roughly around 30 minutes for all the cars because Superchargers are great at powering up batteries in electric cars very quickly.

However, using wall connectors does take a lot longer and this is where we start to see a difference in charge times.

How long does it take to charge a Tesla at a charging station?

The charge time of a Tesla with a larger battery like the Model S cars long range take 9 hours when using a wall connector. Smaller batteries used in the Tesla Model X, Model Y and Model 3 take between 7 to 8 hours.

So even if the Model S electric vehicle is the longest lasting battery out of the Tesla cars, it is also the longest to fully recharge.

Conclusion – How long does tesla battery last per charge?

Trying to estimate how long a Tesla battery lasts in terms of time can be difficult as battery life is better explained in miles of range when it comes to vehicles.

This can help drivers understand how far they can travel so they can plan for long journeys in advance.

However, this data does correlate so we can assume that a Tesla with a larger battery like Tesla’s Model S will be the longest lasting as it has the furthest range.

How long does a 100% charge last on a Tesla?

We can estimate that it lasts around 8 hours from full charge to dead when used for casual driving with normal charge cycles.

Other Tesla vehicles that feature smaller batteries are estimated to last for a shorter amount of time but this depends on your driving as well.

But the best way to know for certain is by using the diagnostics on your Tesla’s control panel. It will tell you how much distance your battery has straight away so you know if you need to recharge for longer journeys or if you will be fine.

Although it does not tell you an estimate in time, by giving you an estimate in distance this will help tesla owners more when it comes to planning your journeys and commutes.

How long can Tesla battery last in winter?

I estimate that you can expect to lose about 40% in battery range due to reduced cell efficiency at lower temperatures (even though the battery is heated) and use of the heater. Obviously, this translates to a 40% reduced running time for the vehicle

How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last?

The battery in a Tesla is the most important part of the car. This is why you need to take care of it so that it will last as long as possible.

However, the battery cells of an electric car lose their capacity over time. It is important to understand why the battery cells start to lose capacity.

Tesla home charging

There are a couple of things you can do to maximize the life of your battery. First, keep your car plugged in at home whenever possible.

This way, you can avoid recharging it too much at public Superchargers, which can wear out the battery faster.

Another good way to maximize your Tesla battery life is to drive smoothly and efficiently. Smooth driving is the best way to maximize your range, and erratic driving will decrease the battery’s lifespan.

Tesla home charging equipment

Using home charging equipment to recharge your Tesla is a great way to extend the range of your car. With a NEMA 5-15 charger, you can add three miles to your car’s range in one hour. However, this method is slow and is only recommended for nighttime charging.

How to install home charging for EV

Electric vehicle charging points must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor. These professionals have specialist accreditation and specific skills to install home charging points. In addition, installing home charging stations for EVs requires a home owner to get approval from the building owner or condo board. Increasingly, apartment and condo buildings are requiring EV charging facilities, which makes business sense.

Why do electric car battery cells lose capacity?

Over time, electric car battery cells degrade, reducing their ability to hold a full charge. Despite the fact that EVs typically offer high battery capacities, this capacity loss is largely unobservable. Although the chemistry of the batteries remains the same, the structure of the cells is altered by repeated charging and discharging.

The lithium part of the ‘lithium-ion’ pairing forms internal spikes and reduces the cell’s surface area. This deterioration can damage the layer that keeps the two elements apart, reducing the capacity of the cell.

Electric car home charging behavior

Research suggests that charging an electric car at home may significantly increase a household’s electricity usage. The study found that the increased power consumption was concentrated between 10 pm and 6 am, suggesting that drivers usually charge their EV overnight.

This finding has implications for efforts to reduce carbon emissions associated with vehicle electrification.

Tesla home charging installed in a garage

The Tesla Wall Connector is the quickest way to charge a Tesla at home. This hardwired charger can provide up to 44 miles of range per hour and is compatible with Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.

It is compatible with most home electrical systems and is lightweight enough to be mounted in a garage or wall.

Which is the best home charging wall box?

A Tesla home charging wall box must be able to deliver a sufficient amount of current. Typically, a 240 volt circuit requires about 100 amps, but charging at 17.2 kW may require 400 amps. Most EV owners are not likely to need a 400-amp service, but the right home charger for your battery will allow you to charge at a lower rate.

There are three different home charging wall boxes available. The JuiceBox 40 has the most features, but is not the cheapest. It has a QR code on the front, connects to Wi-Fi, and allows you to set your output limit through a web-based interface.

It is also aesthetically pleasing, with a transparent glass top layer. Its power output is adjustable and has a length of 24 feet. It can recharge a substantially drained EV in eight to ten hours.

The Emporia Level 2 smart home EV charger has an IP66-rated enclosure and features a J1772 connector for charging. It also comes with a 24-foot output cable and integrated cable management. It can be hardwired on a dedicated 60-amp breaker or plugged into a 50-amp NEMA 14-50 outlet.

Monitor electric car battery charge states cells

To ensure that the electric car battery pack is performing optimally, it is essential to know the current charge state of its cells. Analog Devices has a portfolio of products for EV battery management systems.

These solutions offer high-accuracy measurements for 48V and higher battery packs. The company’s LTC6810 EV battery pack monitor IC supports up to 14 stacked battery cells. The device’s isoSPI interface provides high-speed, RF-immune long-range communication.

EV battery maintenance also includes monitoring the temperature of the cells. The temperature of an EV battery directly affects the current it can draw.

The reactions between the reactants are less efficient at lower temperatures and slower at higher ones. This means that running an EV battery at high temperatures can affect the efficiency of the battery and its longevity.

The cells used in these electric vehicles are also used in the Tesla Powerwall.

Key takeaways relating to Tesla fully charge battery driving time

• Unlike gas-powered cars, electric vehicles display battery charge in terms of estimated miles range available
• Performance models using lithium-ion batteries and the latest associated battery technology have reduced range due to the demands of heavier acceleration on the electric motor
• The good news is that Tesla charging stations throughout the United States take the stress out of range anxiety
• Electric car batteries last between 8 to 10 years, but a lithium-ion battery will function for a long time, particularly if charged slowly using a home charger
• The condition and charging capacity of a used Tesla kWh battery pack is the biggest factor to be aware of and get tested professionally
• Battery cells on new vehicles have maximum capacity, which reduces by up to 1.5% each year, depending on charging time
• The Tesla driver with a standard range model can increase range by up to 20% with careful driving and spare use of the brakes
• Tesla battery replacement cost is between $13000 and $20000, depending on the models. Average cost is $17000
• Tesla supercharger stations can charge your car up to 200 miles in 15 minutes: the best option when travelling long distances.
• Tesla’s Model S battery range is approximately 380 to 500 miles (not in extreme temperatures)
• How many miles does a Tesla last? Tesla’s Model S battery life is about 400000 miles. The ultimate life of the battery depends on driving style and charging speed/number of charging cycles, affecting how quickly the battery degrades
• Continuous fast charging significantly contributes to a more rapid battery degradation
• Average Tesla battery life per charge is between 267-375 miles
• How long do Teslas last? Tesla lifespan should be well over 30 years overall, with the battery lasting between 300,000 to 500,000 miles

FAQ and Roundup

How long does tesla battery last per charge? is a common question, together with concerns about overall Tesla battery life (lifespan).

The average life of Tesla battery has been estimated at 300,000 to 500,000 miles, depending on the model and driving style.Tesla battery life per charge varies between models but on average is about 8 hours of driving.

Tesla batteries are known for their longevity and the upper lifespan of Tesla battery may well be up to half a million miles!

Across the models, you can expect between 267-375 miles of range each charge over the battery life of between 300,000 to 500,000 miles (tesla battery life expectancy) – an average of around 300 miles. In winter it’s best to stick to the lower range of 267 miles, or less for the Model 3, say 262 miles.

In my personal experience of lithium cells, the lifespan of a Tesla battery will be heavily influenced by the driving style and also the charging mode.

Home fast charging may well give you up to 44 miles of range per hour charged, but fast charging degrades the cells more than slow.

How many miles does a Tesla last in cold weather?

A Tesla’s battery, like all batteries, has much less efficiency the colder it gets. Expect to lose 10 miles in range for every -10 degrees.

The battery life of a tesla in hours will obviously be reduced in winter when the heater is used, but also in summer if AC is used.

The Model 3 battery life per charge is the lowest in Tesla’s range, so it reduces quite significantly in weather extremes. The Tesla app does a good job of monitoring consumption under all conditions.

How long does a battery last in a Tesla cyber-truck?

This isn’t known yet, but Elon Musk sticks by his top-end estimate of 500,000 miles – this remains to be seen!

Average Tesla battery replacement cost is between $10,000 to $20,000 – one good reason why the battery life on Tesla models is very important to consumers.

How long do Tesla car batteries last if always charged fast?

Slow charging to 80% of full capacity is the way to get the most life out of any battery.

How long do Teslas last?

Apart from the battery, the car should last 25 to 30 years. Tesla motors haven’t been around long enough to stand the test of time. However, one owner has boasted a million kilometers in his 2013 model.

How long does tesla battery take to charge?

This depends on the charging mode. A home charger using a so-called ‘granny cable’, will take between 24 to 30 hours to fully charge a Tesla battery.

A home charging wall-box may take about 8 hours (depends on model) while commercial fast chargers can give 80% capacity in under an hour.

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Derek Bruce

Derek Bruce has interests in many diverse subjects, including gardening, electric vehicles, creative writing and science fiction. "Really look at any flower or mechanism and you will see the whole Universe!"

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