A 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus in Western Australia has made headlines for its impressive longevity, reaching an astonishing 254,619 miles (409,770 km) on its original battery and motor. This achievement highlights Tesla’s reputation for producing electric vehicles that are built to last.
The rear-wheel-drive sedan, used for Uber ridesharing, is equipped with a 60 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Despite its high mileage, the battery still maintains a State of Health between 88 and 90 percent, as confirmed by the experts at Port Kennedy’s EV Workz. Recently, the vehicle underwent a diagnostic check at EV Workz for a judder issue, during which the Battery Management System data was analyzed. The findings were later shared on Facebook by Edi Gutmanis from EV Workz, sparking viral interest among EV enthusiasts.
Gutmanis remarked, “We expect this sort of longevity with EV batteries, but we’ve not seen any driven this distance.” He pointed out that most Model 3s typically do not accumulate such high mileage each year. Despite 29% of the Model 3’s charging sessions being DC fast charging, the battery has only lost 10-12% of its maximum range, an impressively low decrease considering the mileage. The owner of the vehicle has saved an estimated $24,000+ USD in fuel costs compared to a similar gas-powered car, further emphasizing the financial benefits of owning an electric vehicle.
While there are other high-mileage EVs in existence, such as a German Tesla Model S nearing 1.25 million miles (2 million km) with multiple battery and motor replacements, this Model 3 stands out for its ability to maintain its original components over such a long distance.
This milestone comes at a time when Tesla has recently launched the Model 3+ in China, boasting its longest range yet at 830 km on the CLTC cycle. In the U.S., Model 3 delivery estimates have extended into several weeks in many states as buyers rush to secure the $7,500 federal EV rebate before it expires on September 30, 2025. Tesla’s commitment to innovation and longevity in its electric vehicles continues to set the company apart in the automotive industry.