Battery Capacity
54-82 kWh
Cell Type
2170 cylindrical cells
Chemistry
LFP
Warranty
8 years / 100,000 mi
Expected Degradation Rates
Like all lithium-ion batteries, your Model 3's battery will experience some capacity loss over time. Here's what to expect:
Tesla batteries typically lose 3-5% capacity in the first year as they settle in. This initial break-in period is normal and expected for lithium-ion batteries.
After the initial break-in period, degradation slows significantly. Most owners see only about 1% loss per 10,000 miles with normal use.
Tesla's 2023 Impact Report shows Model 3/Y retain about 85% capacity at 200,000 miles. Real-world data from high-mileage Teslas consistently confirms excellent long-term retention.
Battery Chemistry: LFP (Standard Range)
Standard Range and base Model 3 use 54-60 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cells, which handle 100% charging better. Long Range and Performance variants use 75-82 kWh Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA) cells for higher energy density.
LFP Charging Tip
LFP batteries can be charged to 100% without the same degradation concerns as NCA batteries. Tesla recommends charging LFP batteries to 100% at least once per week to help the battery management system calibrate accurately.
Battery Warranty Coverage
Tesla's Model 3 battery is covered by a comprehensive warranty:
The warranty covers whichever comes first: 8 years or 100,000 miles. Tesla guarantees the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity during this period. If your battery degrades below 70%, Tesla will repair or replace it at no cost.
Additional Notes
Model 3 has one of the best-documented degradation curves thanks to its popularity. Tesla's 2023 Impact Report shows Model 3/Y retain about 85% capacity at 200,000 miles. LFP variants may show slightly different degradation patterns but generally perform similarly long-term.
Monitor Your Model 3's Battery Health
TeslaBat gives you accurate battery capacity estimates and tracks degradation over time. See exactly how your battery is performing compared to when it was new.
- Accurate capacity estimation using Tesla's official API
- Track degradation trends over time
- Compare with other Model 3 owners
- Get charging insights to maximize battery life
