Battery degradation in electric vehicles is an inevitable reality that all owners must face at some point. The extent to which a battery loses its capacity over time can vary greatly depending on various factors such as usage and maintenance. A recent case involving a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range with an impressive 380,000 miles on the odometer sheds light on this issue.
Despite its high mileage, this particular Tesla Model 3 is still running on its original battery pack. The displayed range of the vehicle has dropped significantly, from 240 miles when new to 158 miles currently. This represents a decrease of 34.2%, leaving the battery with less than 70% of its original capacity. While this level of degradation may seem alarming, the vehicle is still able to perform admirably on the road.
A test conducted by Drive Protected from Canada revealed that the high-mileage Model 3 was still capable of covering 138.3 highway miles at a speed of 68 mph on a single charge. This is a commendable feat considering the age and mileage of the vehicle. The test also showed that the car consumed 4.27 miles/kWh during the trip, which is lower than the original consumption rate but still within acceptable limits.
Despite the significant loss in range, the Model 3 continues to operate without any major issues apart from the reduced battery capacity. While the battery may eventually need to be replaced, the current range of over 150 miles is sufficient for daily commuting needs. The test results serve as a reminder that battery degradation is a complex issue that can affect EV performance in different ways.
For potential buyers of used electric vehicles, it is essential to consider the possibility of battery degradation and factor it into their purchasing decision. While a high-mileage EV may have reduced range compared to a new one, it can still offer reliable performance for everyday use. The case of the 380,000-mile Tesla Model 3 demonstrates that with proper care and maintenance, an EV battery can continue to provide satisfactory performance long after reaching high mileage.