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Electric vehicle batteries can last well over 100,000, even 200,000 miles. However, when the bill comes due to replace them, a battery can set an EV owner back thousands of dollars. Although that’s not always the case. A UK-based auction-goer picked up a high-mileage Tesla Model 3 and was surprised to discover just how little the battery had degraded in nearly five years. 

A YouTuber found a Tesla Model 3 with nearly 90% of its battery capacity after almost five years and 216,000 miles

200,000 miles is a bit of a milestone for most vehicles. For many buyers, a six-figure odometer reading starting with a two is a sign to steer clear. That the components have lived a long, arduous life covering enough distance to orbit the Earth’s equatorial beltline more than eight times. Not for everyone, though. And certainly not for the buyer of a 2021 Tesla Model 3 with 216,000 miles on the clock.

Well, it’s a Tesla. So no clock, but a large, do-everything center display in its stead. Still, the Model 3 Long Range had covered well over 200,000 miles during its tenure as a UK taxi. Now, you might think that the taxi’s hard life would warrant a new electric motor or a battery swap. However, records showed that this Model 3 was on its original battery and electric motors.

The buyer secured the former British taxi for a mere $12,000. Scoreboard: it’s a $12,000 EV with 216,000 miles. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. Or maybe not. A battery test through a smartphone app displayed 88% of the Model 3’s original battery capacity available. If the test is to be trusted, the all-wheel drive Model 3 lost just 12% of its original capacity since new.

Of course, it’s far from a new EV. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range required a few maintenance fixes you’d expect in a high-mileage vehicle, like some new suspension components. However, it was nothing insurmountable. In short, the Model 3 appears to be a shrewd auction purchase. That is if everything holds up and you don’t mind the possibility of vandalism. 

Check out the video below!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer, an admitted petrolhead, and an avid motorcyclist. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and Humvees. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with expertise covering everything from sports cars and electric motorcycles to pontoon boats and jet skis. Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He also studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC). When he’s not working, you can find Erik on his motorcycle or out for a spirited drive.