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How to check a used Tesla Model 3 battery before you buy
Published · Last updated · based on 29 sourced Model 3 data points
The Model 3 was the UK's best-selling used EV in 2025 (Electrifying.com). With this car, which battery pack it has tells you as much as the mileage does. A sensible check has five parts: find out which pack it has, read Tesla's own battery health figure, get an independent test if you can, compare the result with what's normal, and check the warranty that's left.
All figures for this model, with method and date for each: used Tesla Model 3 battery data. For a car at a given mileage, try the battery health estimator.
1. Find out which battery it has
On the touchscreen, go to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. Tesla's manual says the high-voltage battery type is only shown there when the car has an LFP (lithium iron phosphate) pack. If no type is listed, it has one of the nickel-based lithium-ion packs (Tesla, Inc.). LFP cars also get different recommended charge limits, so a seller who charges an LFP car to a high level isn't necessarily doing anything wrong.
Why it matters: in Swedish dealer data, packs from different cell suppliers aged differently, even at similar mileages:
| Pack (as published) | Average SoH | Mileage | Share above 90% SoH | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 60.5 kWh LFP | 94.4% | avg 66,467 km | 96.8% | Ny Teknik / Riddermarks Bil (2026-06-18), n=93 |
| Model 3 78.8 kWh LG | 93.6% | avg 71,301 km | 97.6% | Ny Teknik / Riddermarks Bil (2026-06-18), n=287 |
| Model 3 77.8 kWh Panasonic | 90.7% | avg 115,340 km | 62.1% | Ny Teknik / Riddermarks Bil (2026-06-18), n=317 |
| Model 3 60.5 kWh CATL LFP | 93.3% | cars with >100,000 km | – | Carla AB (2026-07-08) |
| Model 3 78.8 kWh LG Chem (new software) | 92.8% | cars with >100,000 km | – | Carla AB (2026-07-08) |
| Model 3 LG Chem (all) | 91.5% | cars with >100,000 km | – | Carla AB (2026-07-08) |
| Model 3 Panasonic 77.8 kWh | 89.8% | cars with >100,000 km | – | Carla AB (2026-07-08) |
| Model 3 Panasonic 52.4 kWh | 88.2% | cars with >100,000 km | – | Carla AB (2026-07-08) |
Both datasets come from AVILOO tests on cars sold by Swedish retailers (cold climate, not a random sample). Riddermarks reports the average mileage of the tested cars; Carla only cars above 100,000 km. That's Tesla data only. It doesn't prove anything about other makes.
2. Read Tesla's own battery health figure
Go to Controls > Service > Battery Health. Tesla says the screen shows an evaluation worked out from battery management system data and compared with the energy retention it expects for that battery type, age and usage. You can also run an optional Battery Health Test, which ends with a percentage of energy retention compared with new (Tesla UK).
- You can't do it during a viewing. The test needs the car in Park, plugged into an AC charger of at least 5 kW and below 20% charge, with no battery or thermal alerts and no pending software update. It takes up to 24 hours and runs the battery down below 10% (Tesla UK). Ask the seller to show the result screen, or to send a photo of it next to the odometer.
- It may not be available. Tesla's manual says not every car has the feature. Once a test has run, it stays unavailable until the battery management system detects a change big enough to measure (Tesla UK). Not a Tesla App reported in August 2025 that software 2025.26 removed the test on many cars and left it read-only (previous result only) on some older Model 3s (Not a Tesla App, 2025-08-08). So a missing menu on its own is not a red flag.
- Tesla recommends running the test only if there's a concern about energy retention (Tesla UK). One test on a car you're serious about is a reasonable concern.
Owner-reported results of Tesla's in-car test in our dataset (single cars, n=1 – examples, not averages):
| Car | Mileage | Tesla test result | Source (date) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Long Range (2022) | 39,400 km ≈ 24,482 mi | 96.0% | Tesla Motors Club – UK forum (posts dated 2025-07-07 to 2025-07-09) Owner-reported, n=1. 2025-07-07, 3 years; ~15% Supercharging. |
| Model 3 Long Range (2021) | 69,500 km ≈ 43,185 mi | 90.0% | Tesla Motors Club – UK forum (posts dated 2025-07-07 to 2025-07-09) Owner-reported, n=1. Posted July 2025 (test June 2025), 4.5 years; <10% Supercharging. |
| Model 3 LR AWD (2020, Panasonic 2170, ex-car-sharing) | 170,000 km ≈ 105,633 mi | 83.0% | Tesla Motors Club – Dutch-language forum (2025-11-05) Owner-reported, n=1. 2025-11-05, 5.5 years; often left at 90% charge limit. |
3. Get an independent test if you can
Tesla's figure is the car's own estimate. An independent test works out SoH separately: AVILOO calculates it from vehicle data with its own algorithms rather than copying the car's reading (AVILOO GmbH). The Model 3 is the most-tested model in AVILOO's 2026 report (n=92,180; AVILOO GmbH). Check that the specific version is covered (AVILOO GmbH). Prices for AVILOO, Moba and Generational tests are on our buying guide. When you get the result, our guide to reading a battery health certificate explains each field.
4. Compare the result with what's normal
| Mileage | Median SoH | Range covering 99% of tested cars |
|---|---|---|
| 50,000 km (≈31,069 mi) | 93.8% | 87.5% – 96.9% |
| 100,000 km (≈62,137 mi) | 90.8% | 83.3% – 95.2% |
| 150,000 km (≈93,206 mi) | 88.9% | 80.3% – 94.5% |
Source: AVILOO GmbH, published 2026-09-03; n=92,180 tests, all Model 3 battery types grouped, global.
- Tesla's own fleet figure: 85% capacity retained after 200,000 miles for Model 3/Y Long Range packs (Tesla, Inc.). That's manufacturer data and hasn't been independently checked.
- Single cars can be far from the median: in Bjørn Nyland's measured-capacity tests a 2021 Model 3 Long Range (taxi) had 84.3% at 98,000 km after a lot of DC fast charging, while a 2022 Model 3 SR+ (LFP) had 96.0% at 61,000 km (Bjørn Nyland / TB Test Results). Ask how the car was charged and whether it was used as a taxi or private hire car.
- Don't judge it by the range readout. Range estimates move with temperature and driving, and some makers release reserve capacity so the displayed range stays stable while the battery ages (Recurrent).
- As a general rule of thumb for all EVs, ADAC expects at least 92% at 50,000 km, 88% at 100,000 km, 84% at 150,000 km, 80% at 200,000 km (ADAC).
5. Check the battery warranty that's left
Tesla UK (current terms): Model 3 RWD – 8 years or 100,000 miles; Model 3 Long Range / Performance – 8 years or 120,000 miles; minimum 70% battery capacity retention over the warranty period. The warranty transfers to new owners when ownership is transferred through Tesla. Older cars may be on earlier terms – check the car's Tesla account. (Tesla UK, checked 2026-10-20)
Ask the seller to show the warranty status in the Tesla app (Specs & Warranty). You can also use our battery warranty checker to see how much time and mileage is likely left. Confirm with Tesla using the VIN.
Also see: Tesla Model Y battery data · general used-EV battery checklist · all models compared.
Sources used on this page
16 sources · 25 data points: 14 from non-AVILOO methods, 11 measured with AVILOO tests.
- Large test datasets (3 sources, 11 data points): AVILOO GmbH, Ny Teknik / Riddermarks Bil, Carla AB
- Connected-car / telematics (1 source): Recurrent
- Single-car tests (1 source, 9 data points): Bjørn Nyland / TB Test Results
- Owner-reported (2 sources, 4 data points): Tesla Motors Club – UK forum, Tesla Motors Club – Dutch-language forum
- Manufacturer (4 sources, 1 data point): Tesla, Inc., Tesla UK, [2], [2]
- Other (specs, guides, news, surveys) (5 sources): Electrifying.com, Not a Tesla App, AVILOO GmbH, ADAC, [2]
Owner-reported and listing values are single cars (n=1) read from the car, an app or an OBD tool – useful examples, not averages. Range-retention figures (Recurrent) measure range, not capacity. Full details: methodology & all sources.
We are not paid by any of the providers mentioned on this page (see disclosure).
Get this specific car tested
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Model averages can't tell you about the car in front of you. An independent battery test (typically a short OBD plug-in test, some remote) gives an SoH figure and often a certificate you can use when negotiating.
- AVILOO – Independent OBD-based battery test (FLASH / Premium) with certificate; available via partners in the UK and EU.
- Generational – UK OBD plug-in test with certificate (SoH, range, remaining warranty, cell balance); sold through dealers and independent mobile testers.
- Moba – Postal OBD kit: you run the test yourself and post the box back for a digital battery certificate (Europe – check vehicle support and delivery country).
Prices change – check the provider's site. Provider names are used for identification only.
FAQ
What battery health is normal for a used Tesla Model 3 at 100,000 km?
In AVILOO's 2026 report (92,180 Model 3 tests, all battery types grouped) the median state of health at 100,000 km was 90.8%, and 99% of tested cars fell between 83.3% and 95.2%. The pack matters: in Swedish dealer data from Carla, LFP Model 3s with more than 100,000 km averaged 93.3%, Panasonic packs 88.2%–89.8%.
How long does the Tesla battery health test take?
Up to 24 hours. Tesla’s manual says the car must be in Park, plugged into an AC charger of at least 5 kW, below 20% charge, with no battery or thermal alerts and no pending software update. The battery is run down below 10% during the test. Not every car has the test, and after a test it stays unavailable until the battery has changed enough to measure again.
How do I know if a used Model 3 has an LFP battery?
On the touchscreen, open Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. Tesla’s manual says the high-voltage battery type is only listed there when the battery is LFP (lithium iron phosphate).
What is the Tesla Model 3 battery warranty in the UK?
Tesla UK (current terms): Model 3 RWD – 8 years or 100,000 miles; Model 3 Long Range / Performance – 8 years or 120,000 miles; minimum 70% battery capacity retention over the warranty period. The warranty transfers to new owners when ownership is transferred through Tesla. Older cars may be on earlier terms – check the car's Tesla account.
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