Tesla Shares Battery Life Span Data: Just 12% Degradation After 200,000 Miles

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla says Model S and Model X batteries degrade about 12% after 200,000 miles
Tesla says Model S and Model X batteries degrade about 12% after 200,000 miles
Tesla

Tesla owners often are asked about the lifespan of their vehicle's battery and whether it will need to be replaced. However, based on over a decade of real-world data, Tesla confidently states that battery replacement is not a concern for most customers. On average, Tesla batteries degrade by a mere 12% after 200,000 miles (321,868 km) of usage, which outperforms many expectations.

The impressive durability of Tesla batteries has been demonstrated through the company's consistent investment in research and development. As a result, Tesla has consistently pushed the limits of battery technology, ensuring that their electric vehicles remain at the forefront of the industry regarding performance and sustainability.

Mileage vs. Age: Factors Affecting Battery Capacity Retention

Though mileage is a significant factor in battery capacity retention, battery age also plays a crucial role. Lower mileage retention figures likely indicate the impact of age, while higher mileage values from high-utilization vehicles probably reflect less influence from battery age. Tesla's data set spans over a decade and provides valuable insight into the complex relationship between these factors and battery degradation over time.

This information is invaluable for current and prospective Tesla owners, as it helps alleviate concerns regarding battery lifespan and potential replacement costs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the long-term sustainability of EVs, making them a more attractive option for environmentally conscious consumers.

Newer Battery Chemistries Promise Even Better Performance

Tesla continues to innovate and improve its battery technology. The company is developing newer chemistries that promise to perform even better than the current ones. As more data becomes available, Tesla plans to expand its disclosure on these new battery chemistries to keep consumers informed about their vehicles' battery performance.

Electric Vehicles Becoming More Sustainable and Cost-Effective

The durability of Tesla batteries benefits the environment by reducing waste from battery replacements and contributes to making EVs more cost-effective for consumers in the long run. As the market for electric vehicles continues to grow, the impressive performance of Tesla batteries will play a significant role in encouraging more people to switch to sustainable transportation.

In conclusion, Tesla owners can rest assured that their vehicle's battery is built to last. With just a 12% degradation after 200,000 miles on average and the potential for even better performance in the future, Tesla continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the electric vehicle industry. This commitment is evident in the company's ongoing efforts to develop new battery chemistries and to share detailed information about battery performance with the public.

Tesla to Allow Drivers to Display License Plates in Vehicle Visualization

By Karan Singh
Rendering of what Tesla's license plate feature could look like
Rendering of what Tesla's license plate feature could look like
Not a Tesla App

Tesla update 2024.38 has started rolling out to several regions and vehicles. Thanks to Tesla hacker Greentheonly, we have a behind-the-scenes look at some new features coming to Teslas.

License Plate Display

According to Greentheonly, it looks like Tesla may soon let you display your actual license plate in the vehicle’s visualization on the screen. In our article, The Most Request Tesla Features, several readers suggested displaying the vehicle’s license plate in the visualization instead of a blank, white plate.

It looks like Tesla will be doing just that, at least in China. Green found references that appear to conclude that you’ll be able to display your vehicle’s plate on screen. This will likely be user input, so you could have it say anything you’d like, and it doesn’t have to be your actual license plate.

For many owners, who may find it difficult to remember their license plate, this could serve a practical purpose in addition to adding to the visualization's realism.

While Green was only able to say it’ll be available in China, we expect this is due to China’s software development team working on it and that it’ll eventually be released worldwide.

We’ve seen several features originally released in China and later applied to everyone. Some of these include the Air Quality Index display, the trip meter that displays traffic along your route, and even the ability to change your vehicle’s color.

While code for this feature was found in update 2024.38, we may not be turned on in China yet. We suspect this feature may be a strong candidate for Tesla’s upcoming holiday update.

FSD Hardware Version Display

As part of the 2024.38 update, Tesla has now made it easy to determine whether your vehicle includes Hardware 3 or Hardware 4. You can now simply navigate to Controls > Software and tap Additional Vehicle Information. In addition to other hardware information about your vehicle, your Autopilot hardware version will now be listed as well.

You can see whether your vehicle has HW2.5, HW3, or AI4. This in-car display is useful, but if you don’t have access to the vehicle, you can always use our guide on how to determine the hardware version of a Tesla.

New Battery Health Test & Service Mode Improvements

Green found some additional things as well. There’s a new and improved Battery Health Test. The new test will show you how your car scores compared to similar vehicles in the Tesla fleet.

In addition, maintenance records can now be permanently stored “in the car.” It doesn’t appear that this feature is activated yet, but it’s likely in active development with some parts leaking out in the 2024.38 update.

Tesla has included various Service Mode improvements and new visualizations in this update.

Leaked Images of the Tesla Model Y Juniper Refresh

By Karan Singh
Mr Li on X

It’s been a while since we saw the last batch of leaked images of the Model Y Juniper refresh. That inspiring photo, alongside other images, set the blood of many concept artists on fire. We saw a ton of awesome concepts of Project Juniper, and now there are even more leaked images.

Mr Li on X came across some covered-up Project Juniper vehicles recently and he managed to get various shots of the vehicle.

Juniper Images

This front image reveals what looks like two rows of lights, possibly confirming the front light bar for the Model Y refresh — similar to the one on the Cybercab.

The rear side has a lot of lights on it!
The rear side has a lot of lights on it!
Mr Li on X

The rear side shows a ton of brake lights, but it’s not clear why. While it looks like the Model Y refresh will also feature a rear light bar similar to the Cybertruck, there isn’t strong evidence of that in this photo.

Mr Li on X

There's an obvious set of lights at the bottom, so it looks like the Model Y refresh will be similar to the new Model 3 where the bottom lights can operate as brake lights when the one-piece tail lights and trunk are up.

Mr Li on X

In the last photo, we see that the overall form factor of the refreshed Model Y will remain unchanged, and Tesla is focusing the changes on the front and rear ends of the vehicle, much like the Model 3 refresh. However, in this one shot, we can also see what appears to be red light leaking out of the rear camera cover opening, possibly due to the rear light bar.

The Model Y is not only Tesla’s best-selling vehicle but also the world’s best-selling car in 2023. This year, it’s expected to be the best-selling vehicle in the United States and again in the world, so this refresh will be huge for Tesla.

We expect most of the interior to remain the same as the Model 3 refresh, which saw substantial improvements in quality, noise reduction, and performance. Check out our wishlist of more things we hope to see in the Model Y refresh.

Dominic’s Concept

Dominic's Concept, in all its glory.
Dominic's Concept, in all its glory.
@DominicBRNKMN on X

@DominicBRNKMN made another fantastic set of concepts based on these new images. Given he had the most accurate Model 3 Highland concept before the official launch, we’re pretty sure his latest work be close here as well.

@DominicBRNKMN

We’re super excited to see the eventual reveal of Project Juniper, which is expected in the first half of 2025. However, expect to see a few more leaks before production kicks off at Giga Shanghai.

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