Owning an electric vehicle (EV) comes with its own set of expectations and concerns, especially when it comes to the battery and long-term reliability. One Tesla Model 3 owner, Lawrence, decided to share his experience after driving an impressive 250,000 kilometers (about 155,000 miles) over the span of five years with his car. His insights shed light on the durability of Tesla’s battery and the repairs he had to undertake along the way.
The Health of the Battery After 5 Years
When purchasing a car, especially an electric one, potential buyers often worry about the longevity of the battery. This concern is even more pressing with vehicles like Tesla, which rely heavily on battery performance for range and efficiency. Lawrence’s Tesla Model 3, purchased in September 2018, has been on the road for nearly six years, and he has had the opportunity to closely monitor how its battery has held up over time.
According to Lawrence, the battery capacity has diminished by about 8% to 10% after 250,000 km, although an app he uses, Tesla Tessie, indicates a slightly higher loss of around 11%. Lawrence had hoped that newer models would experience less battery degradation, but his results align with what many owners of older Teslas report—there isn’t much difference in terms of battery wear over time.
One of the common debates among Tesla owners is whether supercharging is more damaging to the battery than slower charging methods. Lawrence, who primarily uses superchargers, addressed this by saying, “People say that supercharging is bad for the battery, but I wanted to compare and see if there was any noticeable difference. There doesn’t seem to be much—maybe one or two percent.” This insight provides a valuable perspective for those wondering whether their charging habits could impact their vehicle’s long-term health.
Maintenance and Repairs Over the Years
Like many Tesla owners, Lawrence took a hands-off approach to maintenance for the first few years. After 233,000 kilometers, his car hadn’t experienced any significant issues, which speaks volumes about the reliability of Tesla’s vehicles. However, Lawrence did have a few repairs that were necessary to keep the Model 3 running smoothly.
One of the first repairs was related to the battery itself, specifically a replacement of the charging port, which set him back about $600. He also had to replace the 12-volt battery for $125, which is a common maintenance task for many electric vehicles. Additionally, Lawrence noticed some squeaking noises coming from the upper control arms, and he had those replaced for a few hundred dollars. In total, he spent around $1,000 on these repairs, which seems relatively modest considering the car’s mileage.
When it came to the tires, Lawrence decided to swap out the original Michelin 4S tires for more affordable alternatives. He found that after five years, his car was still in great condition: “Everything is still about 99% the same as it was when it was new. The wear and tear are minimal, and it’s still very easy to clean. The car is in excellent shape and doesn’t feel its age.”
A Long-Term Commitment to Minimal Maintenance
For Lawrence, the goal was to see how far the Tesla could go with minimal intervention. While some might opt for regular servicing or upgrades, he chose to push the limits with basic upkeep. His approach was to focus on the essential repairs and maintenance, allowing him to see how the car would handle wear and tear on its own.
Five years in, Lawrence continues to enjoy driving his Model 3 just as much as he did when it was brand new. Despite the slight battery degradation and the few necessary repairs, he finds that the car remains a solid performer. “The experience is almost identical to when I first got it. It’s still fun to drive, and it has held up better than I expected,” he shares.
Final Thoughts on Tesla Ownership
Lawrence’s experience with his Tesla Model 3 provides a real-world example of how the car’s battery health and performance evolve over time. While some battery degradation is expected, his results show that the car’s battery continues to function well even after significant mileage. With minimal repairs and careful maintenance, his Tesla has remained reliable and enjoyable to drive for several years.
For those considering a Tesla or any EV, Lawrence’s experience offers reassurance that with the right approach to charging and maintenance, electric vehicles can offer long-term reliability and excellent performance. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance vehicle or want to test how far an EV can go with basic upkeep, the Tesla Model 3 seems to be a solid choice.
