How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last?

Well-known for its line of electric vehicles (EVs), Tesla produces the Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and Cybertruck. Tesla batteries should have a lifespan of around 10–20 years, or between 300,000 and 500,000 miles. Batteries may need replacement sooner, depending on driving and environmental conditions.

Here’s a closer look at what you need to know about Tesla battery lifespans, including how they compare to other popular EV vehicles, warranty coverage, and how to maximize their charge range.

How a Tesla battery works

Electric batteries, rather than gasoline, power Tesla’s line of vehicles. Instead of fueling up at a gas station pump, you need to charge your vehicle at home or at a public charging station. Unlike hybrid vehicles, Teslas operate entirely on battery power.

Tesla vehicles use either lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries or nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) batteries.^[1] Longer-range vehicles operate using the latter, but both battery types work in a similar way. You must plug in your Tesla to charge the battery. The energy stored in the battery then powers the vehicle when you drive.

Tesla vs. other EV batteries

An EV battery’s energy density affects the vehicle’s range. Batteries with higher energy density weigh less, making an EV more efficient and able to go farther between charges. All Teslas have lithium-ion batteries, which have high energy density.

Other popular EV makes and models — such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 — also use lithium-ion batteries.

Battery degradation causes EVs to lose range over time. But degradation rates are improving. In 2019, EV batteries degraded at a rate of 2.3% per year, according to a study by transportation solutions company Geotab. As of 2024, EV batteries degrade at a rate of just 1.8% per year.

What is the lifespan of a Tesla battery?

Electric vehicle batteries usually last between 10 and 20 years. Batteries sold in the U.S. require an eight-year warranty or up to 10,000 miles driven.^[2] Tesla batteries should last somewhere between 300,000 and 500,000 miles, according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. But exactly how long your car’s battery will last depends on various factors, including environmental conditions like temperature and weather, as well as your mileage and how frequently you drive.

Like all electric vehicle batteries, Tesla batteries gradually lose capacity over time. A recent study from NimbleFins analyzed owner-submitted data for Tesla Model S vehicles manufactured between 2013 and 2019. The study suggests that Tesla batteries deteriorate at a rate of around 1% per year for the first seven years, after which the deterioration accelerates slightly. After 10 years, the batteries for vehicles included in the study had depreciated to an average of 82.5% of the original capacity.^[3]

Warranty coverage

Automatically included with the purchase of a new vehicle, Tesla’s warranty coverage depends on the specific model you buy. All Tesla warranties include a minimum of 70% battery capacity retention during the warranty period.^[4]

Here’s how Tesla warranties covers battery replacement by vehicle model:

Tesla Model/Trim	Battery Warranty Coverage
Model S	8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first
Model X	8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first
Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive	8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first
Model 3 Long Range	8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first
Model 3 Performance	8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first
Model Y Long Range	8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first
Model Y Performance	8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first
Cybertruck	8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first

Tesla battery charge range

Tesla’s battery range — the longest you can drive on a single charge — varies by model and other factors. For instance, driving at high speeds or in cold weather may reduce your vehicle’s range. The company suggests adopting a regular charging routine, maintaining your vehicle’s tire pressure, and removing extra weight like roof racks to maximize battery range.^[5]

Here’s a closer look at the battery charge range for popular Tesla models.

Tesla Model	Estimated Battery Charge Range
Model 3	357 miles
Model S	410 miles
Model X	352 miles
Model Y	330 miles
Cybertruck	325 miles

Do Tesla batteries vary by model?

Tesla currently offers only five models: Y, X, 3, S, and Cybertruck. The Model 3 and Model Y may feature an LFP battery or an NCA battery, while the Model S and Model X feature only NCA batteries. Select Model Y vehicles and the Cybertruck feature Tesla’s 4680 battery, which testing shows is a nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery.

Battery replacement cost and options

Replacing a Tesla battery under warranty won’t cost you anything. But battery replacement outside of the warranty window is often pricey. Full Tesla battery replacement usually starts at around $13,000 but could go as high as $20,000. And that’s just for the battery. Additional parts and labor are separate.

You can buy the battery modules separately, but it may not be as cost-effective as a full replacement. Each module costs between $5,000 and $7,000, according to Musk. So, with the Model 3, for instance, replacing all four modules would cost between $20,000 and $28,000.

Labor charges can add up quickly, since it can take anywhere from three to 15 hours to replace a Tesla battery. Replacing it at a Tesla service center is typically more expensive, but usually the best choice. Most third-party repair shops aren’t trained to handle Tesla batteries, and making the swap yourself can be tricky.

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Best ways to maintain a Tesla battery

You can take steps to prolong your Tesla’s battery life. Treating your vehicle with care and avoiding behaviors and environments that might decrease your battery’s lifespan can help ensure that your Tesla battery lasts as long as possible. While some factors are often unavoidable — like driving uphill or driving in cold weather — the more you can protect your battery, the longer it’ll last you.

• Keep the battery within a temperature range. Exposing your vehicle to extreme temperatures can decrease battery life. For example, the Tesla Model 3 owner’s manual recommends avoiding temperatures above 140 degrees or below -22 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Minimize fast charging. Fast charging can also damage your battery life. Tesla recommends only utilizing DC fast charging when necessary, such as on long trips. Otherwise, you should charge your vehicle using a low-voltage charger, like a Wall Connector.

• Avoid driving in bad weather. Certain weather conditions, like rain, snow, and headwinds, can also decrease your Tesla’s battery range.

• Avoid driving uphill. Driving uphill uses more energy and puts more of a strain on your vehicle. You can’t entirely avoid uphill driving, but you should minimize it when possible.

• Keep cargo light. As your car takes on more weight, it needs more energy to move. Keeping cargo light by removing unnecessary equipment, like roof racks, and clearing out your trunk can help your battery work more efficiently.

• Maintain tire pressure. Maintaining good tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, which makes things easier on your battery.

Tesla battery FAQs