Use the Tesla Battery Degradation Calculator to quickly determine the capacity loss of your electric vehicle’s battery. Input any two variables—Initial Range, Current Range, or Degradation Percentage—and the calculator will solve for the missing one.
Tesla Battery Degradation Calculator
Detailed Calculation Steps
Tesla Battery Degradation Calculator Formula
Degradation Percentage = ( 1 – Rcurrent / Rinitial ) $\times$ 100
Where: Rinitial is the Original EPA Rated Range (miles) and Rcurrent is the Current Estimated Full Range (miles).
Formula Source: Battery Degradation Concepts, U.S. Dept of Transportation EV Range.
Variables Explained
- Original EPA Rated Range (Rinitial): The manufacturer-specified range when the car was new. This is the baseline for 100% capacity.
- Current Estimated Full Range (Rcurrent): The range displayed by the car’s computer after a full charge. This reflects the remaining capacity.
- Battery Degradation (%): The percentage of capacity lost since the car was new. This is the difference between the initial and current capacity.
What is Tesla Battery Degradation?
Battery degradation is the natural, irreversible decrease in the amount of energy a battery can store and deliver. In Tesla vehicles, this manifests as a lower estimated range on a full charge over time. It is a critical metric for owners, as it directly impacts the vehicle’s long-term utility and resale value.
The primary causes of degradation are calendar aging (time) and cycle aging (use). High temperatures, frequent fast-charging (DC Supercharging), and keeping the battery charged continuously to 100% or drained below 10% can accelerate this process. Most Teslas exhibit rapid degradation in the first year and then settle into a much slower, linear decline.
How to Calculate Battery Degradation (Example)
- Identify the Initial Range (Rinitial): Let’s assume your Tesla Model 3 Long Range was rated for 310 miles.
- Determine the Current Range (Rcurrent): After five years, you charge the car to 100% and the display shows 295 miles.
- Apply the Formula: Calculate the ratio of remaining capacity: 295 miles / 310 miles = 0.9516.
- Find the Degradation: Subtract this ratio from 1 (1 – 0.9516 = 0.0484).
- Convert to Percentage: Multiply by 100. The degradation is $0.0484 \times 100 = 4.84\%$.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a normal degradation rate for a Tesla?
Studies show that average Tesla degradation is around 5% after the first 50,000 miles or three years. After this initial drop, the rate often slows to about 1-2% per year or 10,000 miles.
Does Supercharging cause more degradation?
While convenient, frequent use of DC fast-charging (Supercharging) generates more heat and stress on the battery cells compared to Level 2 home charging, which can contribute slightly more to long-term degradation. Moderation is recommended.
Does Tesla warranty cover battery degradation?
Yes. Tesla’s battery warranty typically guarantees a minimum percentage of battery capacity retention (usually 70%) over an 8-year period or a specific mileage (e.g., 100,000 or 120,000 miles), depending on the vehicle model.
How can I minimize degradation?
To slow down degradation, avoid regularly charging to 100% (unless needed for a long trip) and avoid discharging below 10%. Maintaining a daily charge limit between 50% and 80% is generally recommended.