Buying a new car is a big expense and people want to make sure that they will get their money’s worth out of a vehicle, and when a car is said to be able to last a million miles, it grabs people’s attention. However, it also leads many to ask, how long will a Tesla actually last?
Although it has been said that the vehicle was built to last a million miles, the batteries will only last 300,000 to 500,000 miles, which could average out to over 20 years of life.
If you are thinking about owning a Tesla, or just want to know more about the vehicle, continue reading to get all your questions answered.
How Long Do Tesla Batteries Last?

It seems impossible that a car could run on battery energy alone, but that is exactly what Tesla does. This vehicle relies solely on its battery pack, but how long will that battery last?
One of the biggest problems with the first Tesla Roadster was that it had a tough time holding a charge, but that seems to be a problem of the past. Most of the models today can get up to 250 miles on one charge, with some updates allowing the vehicles to get up to 400 miles on one charge.
You can find the battery range for all Tesla Models below:
Model | Mile Range on Full Charge |
Model 3 Standard Range Plus | 250 |
Model 3 Long Range | 322 |
Model 3 Performance | 299 |
Model S Long Range Plus | 402 |
Model S Performance | 348 |
Model X Long Range Plus | 351 |
Model X Performance | 305 |
Model Y Longe Range Plus | 316 |
Model Y Performance | 315 |
In addition to how far the battery can last on one charge, the whole thing is designed to last for a total of 300,000 to 500,000 miles, making it one of the longest-lasting vehicles on the market today.
Tesla Warranty
Perhaps even more impressive than the battery’s overall expected mileage is the warranty that each vehicle’s battery has.
- Model 3: 8 years/120,000 miles
- Model S: 8 years/150,000 miles
- Model X: 8 years/150,000 miles
- Model Y: 8 years/120,000 miles
That covers your vehicle for quite a few more years than the average warranty, which typically covers a vehicle for around 4 years. Even though the battery is designed to last for 300,000 miles (well beyond the warranty period) it can be quite costly to fix, so having a long-standing warranty can give drivers that extra peace of mind.
Are Tesla’s Expensive to Maintain?
Since the vehicle is fully electric, many of the normal maintenance items do not apply. For example, you will never have to worry about changing the oil, and a vehicle that does not use fuel will never have a fuel filter replaced. Still, it is a vehicle, and vehicles should be maintained to get the best performance from them. So, what does maintenance for a Tesla look like?
Some of the suggested maintenance items for a Tesla are:
Service | Interval | Cost |
Tire Rotation | It is suggested to rotate tires every 6,500 miles but it may be different depending on the tires. | $35 – $100 |
Cabin Air Filter Replacement | This should be done everything two to three years. | $60 – $200 |
Wiper Blades | Should be changed as needed. | $20 – $50 |
Full-Service Inspection | This was recommended every year but is not recommended as needed. | $475+ |
Brake System Flush | This should be inspected every couple of years and replaced as needed. | $100 – $110 |
A/C Service | Tesla recommends this be done every two to six years. | $50 |
Are Tesla’s Reliable?
In terms of reliability, Tesla’s are one of the least reliable cars on the market. However, this might be due to the amount of innovative technology being utilized in these vehicles. This technology can be hard to repair and expensive to replace, which factors into the dependability rating. Additionally, up until recently, Tesla’s were not widely affordable and therefore, were not as popular as other models. This may also contribute to the reliability rating.
How Often Do They Break Down?
So far, there has not been a lot of reported “break-downs” with these vehicles. This could be due to the fact that they do not contain many parts, which means that less can go wrong. However, many people have found themselves stranded when the battery lost power, or they forgot to charge the vehicle. Charging problems have always been one of the most common issues reported with these vehicles and it remains one of the most common today. In fact, many owners have returned or sold their vehicle simply because charging it was such a hassle.
How Much Is Insurance?
Tesla’s are more expensive to insure because of the high repair costs associated with these vehicles. Although the overall cost will depend on the model and trim of your vehicle and where you decide to insure the car, the average price can run drivers anywhere from $3,000 – $5,200.
Below you can find a list of insurance companies and the average cost to insure a Tesla with them.
Company | Average Cost to Insure a Tesla |
Progressive | $2,360 |
AAA Norcal | $2,730 |
Tesla | $3,315 |
State Farm | $3,995 |
Geico | $4,181 |
Farmers | $4,460 |
All State | $5,310 |
Source: ValuePenguin
While those prices are extremely high when compared to other gas-powered vehicles, Tesla has partnered with State National and is working on strategies to reduce the cost of insurance to their drivers.
What About the Body?

It makes perfect sense that these vehicles would inspire passion in their drivers, but none seem more impassioned than the creator, who has claimed that these vehicles could last a million miles, but would the body hold up?
While some of the older models were made from aluminum, many of the newer models are made from steel to reduce costs. Additionally, the vehicle’s paint is quite thin which makes it more likely to chip away and expose the metal underneath. This may be why some drivers have reported seeing rust on their Tesla in as little as a year. Still, most complaints do not seem major, with most reporting minor surface rust.
The reality is that these vehicles are still quite new in the grand scheme of things, and we won’t really know if they can reach 1,000,000 miles until one finally does. Since that could take an estimated twenty years or more, we might be waiting a while.
You may find the following posts helpful:
Should I buy a Tesla or Porsche?
Is an electric car worth it? (external link evjuicedup.com)
What’s the best Tesla for commuting?
How long can a Tesla go without charging?
How long do Tesla batteries last?
- About the Author
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John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.