A 2018 Tesla Model S owner in Australia proves it’s possible, driving 413,000 miles before needing a battery replacement.
As electric vehicles (EVs) surge in popularity, a lingering question among potential buyers is whether EV batteries are living up to the hype of longevity and sustainability. Well, a great example from down under might just help tilt the scales towards a resounding yes.
In Australia, a 2018 Tesla Model S 75D has recently crossed an extraordinary milestone, logging over 413,000 miles on its original battery. The car’s owner, Nigel Raynard, drives an impressive 350 miles daily, pushing the limits of what’s expected from electric vehicle battery life.
Most high-mileage EVs go through several battery packs throughout their lifetimes, but Raynard’s Tesla is an exception, only needing a replacement after surpassing the 400,000-mile mark. Indeed, this occurrence sheds light on the evolving efficiency and resilience of EV technology.
When the Tesla finally signaled it was time for a change, displaying error messages and reduced power when nearing low charge, Raynard was still under Tesla’s eight-year unlimited-mile battery warranty. This allowed him to replace the original battery, a 75 kWh pack, with a brand new 90-kilowatt-hour pack, breathing new life into his daily driver.
What’s even more intriguing is Raynard’s charging habits, which include regularly maxing out the battery to 100% and draining it to a very low state of charge. Conventional wisdom suggests such practices might shorten a battery’s life due to increased wear and tear. However, his experience suggests that Tesla batteries might just be more robust than commonly assumed.
Comparatively, the highest-mileage Tesla Model S on record—a 2014 P85 model—has traveled over 1.24 million miles but has cycled through four battery packs. This suggests an average of 300,000 miles per battery, a huge contrast to Raynard’s initial run, which might indicate improvements in battery technology and management systems over the years.
Tesla’s continued refinement of its battery technology is evident in the longevity seen in newer models like Raynard’s. More than just about the mileage, it’s about maintaining performance and reliability over extensive use, which is crucial for broader consumer acceptance and confidence in EVs.
The implications of such advancements are significant, especially as the world shifts towards more sustainable transportation options. If EV batteries can indeed last longer while maintaining efficiency, the environmental and economic case for electric vehicles becomes even stronger. It means less waste, fewer resources spent on replacements, and a longer life for the vehicle itself.
In the grand scheme of things, stories like Raynard’s provide a glimpse into a future where EVs could become the norm, not the exception. As battery tech continues to advance, the dream of widespread EV adoption looks increasingly achievable. And for those still on the fence about making the switch, the proof might just be in the mileage.
