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2021 Tesla Model S driving during sunset

How Many Miles Will a Tesla Model S Last?

The Tesla Model S boasts an estimated range of more than 400-miles. While that’s certainly impressive, you might also be curious how many miles a Model S will actually last. And not just on a single charge. Fortunately, we’ve got the inside scoop on how many miles a Tesla Model S will last. How reliable …

The Tesla Model S boasts an estimated range of more than 400-miles. While that’s certainly impressive, you might also be curious how many miles a Model S will actually last. And not just on a single charge. Fortunately, we’ve got the inside scoop on how many miles a Tesla Model S will last.

2021 Tesla Model S driving during sunset
2021 Tesla Model S | Tesla

How reliable is the Tesla Model S?

Here’s the thing, as popular as Tesla vehicles may be, they don’t get the best reliability ratings. In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite. Take, for instance, the 2021 Tesla Model S, which earned a two out of five predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports. Or the 2020 Model S, which earned an even lower reliability rating of one out of five. 

But there is some slightly good news. The 2017 Tesla Model S earned a much higher rating from Consumer Reports. While more recent model years have earned between a one and two out of five reliability rating, the 2017 Model S was able to land a four out of five reliability rating.

Here’s how long you can expect the Model S to last

While the Tesla Model S may not have earned the most impressive reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, you can expect one to last a fairly long time. Because according to this study from iSee Cars, 2.3% of Model S vehicles sold in 2019 lasted for 200,000-miles and beyond. 

But iSee Cars’ assessment shouldn’t be all that surprising. Just two years ago, Elektrek reported that Tesloop, a Tesla-only shuttle service based in Southern California, had a Model S reach 400,000-miles. That vehicle isn’t the company’s first Model S to surpass the 200,000-mile mark either. According to Elektrek, another one of Tesloop’s Tesla Model S models hit 300,000-miles in just two years.

What is the battery life of a Tesla Model S?

What’s important to remember is that the Tesla Model S isn’t like other cars. It is an electric car, after all. So when it comes to how long a Model S will last? You’re also going to want to consider what the battery life of a Model S actually is.

Fortunately, Solar Reviews reports that Tesla car batteries are designed to last up to 300,000-miles. And if your Tesla’s battery isn’t able to last quite that long? All Model S vehicles come standard with a Battery and Drive Unit Warranty that lasts for eight years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Is buying a Model S worth the cash?

There’s no denying that buying a Model S is an expensive endeavor. While the Long Range will cost you $79,990, the Plaid trim will have you spending at least $119,990. But is the Model S actually worth spending that kind of cash on? 

Really, this one comes down to personal preference. The Model S isn’t the most reliable, but you can expect it to last a pretty long time. So if you have your heart set on a Tesla and can look past lower than average reliability ratings? Then the Model S might not be such a bad fit for you.

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