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How to check a used Tesla Model Y battery before you buy
Published · Last updated · based on 13 sourced Model Y data points
The Model Y was the UK's third most popular used EV in 2025 (Electrifying.com). Most used Model Ys test well, but single cars vary, and which pack the car has matters. Check it in five steps: find out which battery 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 Y battery data. For a car at a given mileage, try the battery health estimator.
1. Find out which battery it has
Used Model Ys come as RWD (in many European cars with an LFP – lithium iron phosphate – pack), Long Range and Performance. Two ways to check on the car:
- Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. In Tesla's manuals the high-voltage battery type is only listed there when the pack is LFP (Tesla, Inc.; Tesla's Model 3 manual – the current Model Y manual doesn't repeat this line, so treat a blank entry as "probably not LFP", not as proof).
- Controls > Charging shows the car's recommended daily and trip charge limits (Tesla UK). Tesla's battery tips refer to "vehicles with a recommended daily charge limit of 80%" (Tesla UK), and LFP cars have different recommended limits (Tesla, Inc.). So a seller who charges an LFP car to 100% isn't necessarily doing anything wrong.
In Swedish dealer data, the two packs tested aged similarly, with the LFP version slightly ahead:
| Pack (as published) | Average SoH | Mileage | Share above 90% SoH | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Y 60.5 kWh LFP | 94.7% | avg 63,338 km | 98.9% | Ny Teknik / Riddermarks Bil (2026-06-18), n=178 |
| Model Y 78.8 kWh LG | 93.8% | avg 68,403 km | 99.2% | Ny Teknik / Riddermarks Bil (2026-06-18), n=1,137 |
| Model Y 78.8 kWh LG Chem | 92.2% | 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 and doesn't publish the sample size per model.
2. Read Tesla's own battery health figure
Go to Controls > Service > Battery Health. Tesla's Model Y manual 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. The optional Battery Health Test 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 for a photo of the result screen next to the odometer.
- It may not be there. Tesla says your Model Y may not have the feature, and after a test it stays unavailable until the battery management system detects a measurable change (Tesla UK). Not a Tesla App reported in August 2025 that software 2025.26 removed the test from many Teslas, while it still worked on a 2025 Model Y it checked (Not a Tesla App, 2025-08-08). A missing menu on its own is not a red flag.
- Tesla recommends the test only if there's a concern about energy retention (Tesla UK).
3. Get an independent test if you can
Tesla's figure is the car's own estimate. AVILOO works out SoH from vehicle data with its own algorithms rather than copying the car's reading (AVILOO GmbH), and its 2026 report includes 53,718 Model Y tests (AVILOO GmbH). Check that the specific version is covered (AVILOO GmbH). Prices for AVILOO, Moba and Generational tests are on our buying guide, and our guide to reading a battery health certificate explains each field.
4. Compare the result with what's normal
| Mileage | Median SoH, all Model Y packs | Range covering 99% of tested cars | Median SoH, 78.8 kWh pack only |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50,000 km (≈31,069 mi) | 94.4% | 89.0% – 97.2% | 94.5% |
| 100,000 km (≈62,137 mi) | 91.9% | 85.5% – 95.6% | 91.8% |
| 150,000 km (≈93,206 mi) | 90.3% | 82.9% – 94.9% | 90.1% |
Sources: AVILOO GmbH and the variant deep dive AVILOO GmbH, published 2026-09-03; n=53,718 Model Y tests in total, global.
- Single cars spread widely: AVILOO notes up to 46 km of real-world range difference between the best and weakest Model Y 78.8 kWh at 150,000 km (AVILOO GmbH). In Bjørn Nyland's measured-capacity tests a 2022 Model Y Long Range had 88.5% at 155,000 km (n=1, Bjørn Nyland / TB Test Results).
- 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.
- US connected-car data: Recurrent expects about 96% of original range after 3 years and 95% of original range after 5 years (Recurrent). That's range, not measured capacity, so read it as an indicator only.
- Don't judge it by the range readout. Range estimates move with temperature and driving (Recurrent). Tesla also says the peak charging rate can drop slightly after many DC fast-charging sessions (Tesla UK), so ask how the car was usually charged.
- 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 Y RWD – 8 years or 100,000 miles; Model Y Long Range / Performance – 8 years or 120,000 miles; minimum 70% capacity retention over the warranty period. (Tesla UK, checked 2026-10-20)
Ask the seller to show the warranty status in the Tesla app, or use our battery warranty checker. Confirm with Tesla using the VIN.
Also see: Tesla Model 3 battery check · general used-EV battery checklist · all models compared.
Sources used on this page
18 sources · 13 data points: 4 from non-AVILOO methods, 9 measured with AVILOO tests.
- Large test datasets (4 sources, 9 data points): AVILOO GmbH, [2], Ny Teknik / Riddermarks Bil, Carla AB
- Connected-car / telematics (2 sources, 2 data points): Recurrent, [2]
- Single-car tests (1 source, 1 data point): Bjørn Nyland / TB Test Results
- Manufacturer (6 sources, 1 data point): Tesla UK, Tesla, Inc., [2], [3], [2], [4]
- Other (specs, guides, news, surveys) (5 sources): Electrifying.com, Not a Tesla App, AVILOO GmbH, [2], ADAC
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 the battery-test providers mentioned on this page. Links marked "paid link" in the "Useful products and services" box are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Get this specific car tested
We are not paid by these test providers. How we make money.
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.
Useful products and services
- Charging cable: check that the car comes with its charging cable(s) at the viewing. If one is missing, replacements are sold separately: Model Y charging cables at EV King paid link.
- Tyres: check tread depth and wear at the viewing. To price replacements, search by the size printed on the tyre wall: car tyres at Tyres UK paid link.
- Parts and tools: wiper blades, bulbs, 12V batteries and tools for the car you buy: GSF Car Parts paid link (UK).
Some links are paid links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never changes the battery data we show (disclosure).
FAQ
What battery health is normal for a used Tesla Model Y at 100,000 km?
In AVILOO's 2026 report (53,718 Model Y tests, all battery types grouped) the median state of health at 100,000 km was 91.9%, and 99% of tested cars fell between 85.5% and 95.6%.
Does the LFP Model Y hold its battery health better?
In Swedish dealer data (Riddermarks, AVILOO quick tests) the LFP 60.5 kWh Model Y averaged 94.7% at an average 63,338 km (n=178), and the LG 78.8 kWh version 93.8% at 68,403 km (n=1,137). That is a small difference from one country's dealer stock, not proof for a single car.
How long does the Tesla battery health test take on a Model Y?
Up to 24 hours. Tesla’s Model Y 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 Model Y has the test.
What is the Tesla Model Y battery warranty in the UK?
Tesla UK (current terms): Model Y RWD – 8 years or 100,000 miles; Model Y Long Range / Performance – 8 years or 120,000 miles; minimum 70% capacity retention over the warranty period.
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