As I surpassed 120,000 miles on my 2018 Tesla Model 3, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey I’ve had with this Electric Vehicle. The good news is that I’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars by not buying gas or oil over the last five years. However, there is a lingering fear in the back of my mind – my battery warranty has expired.
Driving an Electric Vehicle with an expired battery warranty is a bit like swimming in the ocean with the fear of a shark attack. The possibility of the battery dying and needing replacement is a common concern for those hesitant to buy an EV. Many skeptics have warned me about the high cost of battery replacement, but according to Tesla‘s 2022 impact report, battery degradation is not as big of an issue as some may think.
To put this to the test, I decided to check the health of my Tesla Model 3’s battery using Recurrent, a free software tool that generates battery performance reports. The results were surprising – my battery health was at seven percent. This raised some red flags for me, as a low battery health percentage could indicate the need for a costly battery replacement in the near future.
Tesla‘s battery replacement costs can be significant, with a complete 75 kilowatt-hour battery replacement for a Model 3 costing around $16,550. While I have been diligent in following healthy charging habits to maintain my battery’s health, the potential for a pricey repair still looms over me.
Despite the risks, I have decided to continue driving my Model 3 and take my chances. With an estimated range of around 280 miles and only a 10 percent degradation after 120,000 miles, I feel confident in my decision. I believe that with proper care and maintenance, my Model 3 can continue to serve me well for years to come.
In the end, the decision to keep driving my Model 3 is a personal one. Each EV owner must weigh the potential risks and costs of battery replacement against the benefits of driving an Electric Vehicle. As for me, I’m willing to take the risk and continue enjoying the many advantages of owning a Tesla.
