An impressive story of a high-mileage electric hero has emerged from Australia, where a base-spec Tesla Model 3 has driven a remarkable 254,619 miles on its original electric motor and battery. This entry-level 2021 Tesla Model 3, used for Uber rides, recently made its way to an independent repair shop in Port Kennedy for a peculiar juddering issue under acceleration.
The technician at EV Workz was astonished when he uncovered the battery statistics of this one-owner EV. Despite clocking over 400,000 kilometers, the rear-wheel drive Tesla’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery still boasts an estimated state of health between 88% and 90%. This means that the battery has only degraded by 10% to 12% of its original capacity, a remarkable feat considering the mileage it has covered.
Describing the vehicle as a special find, the technician shared the details on a Facebook group, highlighting the exceptional longevity of the Tesla Model 3’s battery. In comparison to a traditional gas-powered car with similar mileage, which would typically require extensive engine and transmission component replacements, the EV’s lower maintenance nature proves to be a significant advantage.
The impressive battery durability of this Model 3 could be attributed to the owner’s charging habits. The car has predominantly been charged from an AC source, with only 29% of its energy coming from DC fast chargers. Studies have suggested that limiting the use of DC fast charging can extend the life of lithium-ion batteries, although the impact on LFP packs specifically remains unclear. Nevertheless, the resilience of LFP batteries seems to be holding up well in this particular vehicle.
In addition to the battery’s impressive performance, the repair shop only needed to address a set of motor mounts, which were promptly replaced. This minor repair underscores the overall robustness and reliability of the Tesla Model 3, proving that with proper maintenance and charging practices, electric vehicles can deliver exceptional longevity and performance.
This extraordinary tale of the high-mileage Tesla Model 3 serves as a testament to the durability and longevity of electric vehicles, showcasing their potential to outlast and outperform traditional combustion engine cars. With advancements in battery technology and a shift towards sustainable transportation, stories like these highlight the bright future of electric mobility.