Over the past decade, Tesla has grown to become the world’s leading automaker. The company proved that battery-powered cars can be sustainable and ushered in the era of electric cars. So will Tesla last ten years?
The average Tesla will run smoothly for 10 years without major repairs. Battery degradation is the primary concern. However, Tesla’s batteries have proven to be durable, degrading by only 10% after 200,000 miles.
Of course, any Tesla is unlikely to last that long, but they are very well designed and developed and have been proven to travel long distances.
This answer can actually be verified. The original Model S first appeared in 2012, almost a decade ago. Looking at the used market, we can find examples from that era that are still evolving. Electric motors are much simpler than petrol powertrains.
Less maintenance and fewer moving parts reduce potential problems in the future. The real thing to watch out for in terms of longevity is the battery. Over the years, Tesla’s battery can handle fewer recharges.
Which Tesla is the most reliable?
The most reliable Tesla is the Model 3. Fortunately, it’s also the cheapest Tesla available. According to Consumers Report, the Model 3 is able to maintain average reliability ratings, but still receives a recommendation.
While powertrain problems aren’t unheard of, Tesla’s problem areas are the fit and finish of their cars. Tesla is still an automaker looking to ramp up its production capacity rapidly. Electric cars are rolling out of manufacturing plants at a rapid pace. Unfortunately, this has led to errors.
The most famous of these are the panel gaps found in many new models, which are caused by misaligned bodywork. The watertight seal can be completely omitted and the interior trim can be removed. Most infamous of all are the Model X’s hawk-eye doors. While these doors allow for dramatic entry, they’ve given owners and Tesla a headache.
Frequent problems with seals and mechanics have left many doors leaky at best and unusable at worst. However, the simplification of the powertrain allows the most important components of the powertrain to be used more effectively when switching to electric operation.
How far can Tesla go?
How far a Tesla can go depends entirely on the model and year of Tesla you drive. The brand has always been a leader in electric cars. Every Tesla currently offered in recent years can exceed 300 miles.
The Model S tops out at 405 miles and the Model X tops out at 351 miles. The Model 3 can go 358 miles and the Model Y up to 330 miles. All of these distances are much greater than what the average driver travels in a day.
It’s important to note that getting a Tesla with bigger wheels has a negative impact on range. This also applies to petrol cars, but it is more visible when looking at the range of electric cars. For example, the optional 21-inch wheels on Model S reduce the range from 405 miles to 375 miles.
Tesla battery degradation
The factor limiting the life of most electric vehicles is battery degradation. Whether it’s the rechargeable batteries in your remote control or the thousand-pound battery on the floor of your electric car, they all struggle to stay charged over time. Tesla can only try to create a battery chemistry that can minimize this degradation.
Luckily they appear to be fine. In the company’s “2020 Impact Report,” they said their average battery still had about 90 percent of its original capacity after 200,000 miles of use.
Community-recorded research also shows similar deterioration. Data from several Tesla owners showed a 10% loss trend between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Anyone can see this information in the spreadsheet.
Of course, not all batteries are created equal. As with all things, there can be deviations. There may be instances where a Tesla can lose nearly 10% of its capacity in less than 30,000 miles.
Avoid cramming constantly
The Tesla Supercharger Network is one of the key benefits of owning a Tesla. The network has expanded to nearly the entire population of the United States. It also offers a faster way to charge your Tesla than home charging.
