One of the lessons learned from smartphones—and any device with a battery—is that degradation is inevitable. It’s basic chemistry. Over time, batteries lose capacity and offer less autonomy. Electric vehicles (EVs) are no exception. While tips exist to slow degradation, the reality is that all batteries wear out eventually.
That brings us to Lawrence, a Tesla Model 3 Performance owner who has been relying on fast charging since September 2018. As he explained in a video on the Tesla Joy channel, his living situation leaves him with no other option. Lawrence lives in an apartment without a charging station, so he drives to a nearby Supercharger every day or two. Despite the challenges, he doesn’t mind:
“It sounds terrible to a lot of people, but I actually like it. I like the opportunity to go and sit and relax for a little bit. It only takes 10 minutes to get to 55-60%, so it’s really not a big deal at all.”
Battery degradation. By 2023, Lawrence had driven 155,000 miles, and his battery showed a degradation of between 8% and 11%. That’s impressive, especially given the heavy use of fast charging over five years. For comparison, Tesla’s warranty covers battery replacement if capacity falls below 70% within eight years, meaning Lawrence’s battery is well above the threshold.
A 2023 study on Tesla battery health backs this up. The research analyzed data from 6,300 Model 3s and 4,400 Model Ys, tracking more than 2,000 days of charging. Cars that relied on fast charging for 90% of their charging sessions showed slightly more degradation than those that used it only 10% of the time, but the difference was minimal.
Maintenance. One of the benefits of EVs is their reduced maintenance compared to traditional internal combustion vehicles. Lawrence reports that his Model 3 has required little upkeep. In five years, he’s replaced the charger plug, the 12-volt battery, and the upper control arms—a total cost of about $1,000. While the original battery is still in good condition, Lawrence has replaced the tires. Instead of using the stock Michelin 4S tires, he opted for a Chinese brand, citing the cost savings.
Tips for extending EV battery life. Though battery degradation is unavoidable, EV owners can take steps to slow the process. First, keep the battery charged between 25% and 75%. Second, avoid extreme temperatures. Ideally, keep the car in environments ranging from 59 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Image | Tesla
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