Used Tesla Model S battery health & degradation data
Last updated: · 8 sourced data points
Tesla's large hatchback, on sale in the UK since August 2013 and common at high mileage: a 2024 LeaseLoco analysis of DVSA MOT records counted 4,073 UK Model S with over 100,000 miles. In Carla's Swedish dealer data, Model S cars tested after more than 100,000 km averaged 92.8% battery health. Sources: EV Database, This is Money, Carla AB.
Battery options: 60–90 kWh packs (2013–2019, incl. 60/60D software-limited), 100 kWh 100D/P100D (2017–2019), Long Range/Performance (2019–2020), Long Range Plus/Performance 103 kWh nominal (2020–2021), Dual Motor/Plaid (2024–2025).
Chemistry: Nickel-based cylindrical cells. EV Database lists NCA for the 2019-on Long Range, Long Range Plus and 2024–2025 cars, with Panasonic 18650 cells on the 2024–2025 Dual Motor and Plaid; it gives no chemistry for earlier cars. (EV Database, [2])
Estimate the expected battery health of a Model S by mileage and age → (uses the data on this page; not a test)
Compare the Model S battery data with other models on one chart →
Battery health vs mileage – all sources
Text summary of the chart
- AVILOO test: 5 points, 87.2% to 92.8% between 76,588 and 172,083 km
- Other test, dataset or maker data: 3 points, 90.3% to 97.3% between 76,000 and 186,000 km
All data points
| Variant | Mileage | SoH | Type | Sample | Measured by | Source (date) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S (Carla: "96 cells") | >100,000 km ≈ 62,137 mi |
92.8% | Average | n/a | AVILOO test (dealer) | Carla AB (2026-07-08) Average of tested cars with more than 100,000 km; sample size per model not published. |
| Model S 85 | 172,083 km ≈ 106,927 mi |
89.5% | Single car | n=1 | AVILOO FLASH Test (independent SoH) | AAA Auto (2026-03-13) Single car (n=1), Czech Republic. Car's own BMS SoH on the same certificate: 92%. |
| Model S 100 kWh | 124,068 km ≈ 77,092 mi |
87.2% | Single car | n=1 | AVILOO FLASH Test (independent SoH) | AAA Auto (2026-07-26) Single car (n=1), Czech Republic. Car's own BMS SoH on the same certificate: 93%. |
| Model S 100 kWh | 101,620 km ≈ 63,144 mi |
87.4% | Single car | n=1 | AVILOO FLASH Test (independent SoH) | AAA Auto (2026-07-15) Single car (n=1), Czech Republic. Car's own BMS SoH on the same certificate: 93%. |
| Model S 100 kWh | 76,588 km ≈ 47,590 mi |
87.9% | Single car | n=1 | AVILOO FLASH Test (independent SoH) | AAA Auto (2026-05-20) Single car (n=1), Czech Republic. Car's own BMS SoH on the same certificate: 91%. |
| 2016 Model S 85D | 76,000 km ≈ 47,224 mi |
94.7% | Single car | n=1 | Measured usable capacity (drive/discharge test) | Bjørn Nyland / TB Test Results (rows dated 2019-01-15 to 2026-10-14 (each row has its own test date)) Single car (n=1), Bjørn Nyland test 2026-03-20: 69.6 kWh usable vs 73.5 kWh new. |
| 2013 Model S P85 Signature | 78,000 km ≈ 48,467 mi |
97.3% | Single car | n=1 | Measured usable capacity (drive/discharge test) | Bjørn Nyland / TB Test Results (rows dated 2019-01-15 to 2026-10-14 (each row has its own test date)) Single car (n=1), Bjørn Nyland test 2020-02-28: 71.5 kWh usable vs 73.5 kWh new. |
| 2014 Model S 85 | 186,000 km ≈ 115,575 mi |
90.3% | Single car | n=1 | Measured usable capacity (drive/discharge test) | Bjørn Nyland / TB Test Results (rows dated 2019-01-15 to 2026-10-14 (each row has its own test date)) Single car (n=1), Bjørn Nyland test 2024-08-27: 66.4 kWh usable vs 73.5 kWh new. Capacity based on Scan My Tesla readout. |
Data gaps: No AVILOO median and no UK-only dataset for the Model S. Data so far: Carla's Swedish dealer average (sample size not published), four Czech dealer AVILOO certificates and three of Bjørn Nyland's capacity tests (all n=1). Nothing yet for the 2021-on Long Range Plus, Dual Motor or Plaid. Owner data wanted.
What to check when buying a used Model S
- Know the pack before comparing numbers: pack sizes run from 60 to 100 kWh, and some cars are software-limited – the 2013–2015 Model S 60 uses 60 kWh of a 70 kWh pack and the 2016–2017 S 60/60D 62 kWh of a 75 kWh pack (EV Database). Compare a test result only with the same pack. (EV Database, [2], [3])
- Check which warranty the car is on and when it ends. Tesla's current European terms give 8 years or 240,000 km with 70% capacity retention, but cars bought earlier keep the terms from their purchase date, and Electrek reported that early terms had no capacity-loss guarantee. (Tesla, Electrek)
- Get an independent test and compare it with the car's own figure: on four Czech dealer AVILOO certificates (85 and 100 kWh cars, 76,600–172,100 km) the independent SoH was 87.2–89.5%, while the car's own BMS reading on the same certificate was 91–93%. (AAA Auto, [2], [3], [4])
- Very high mileage is possible, but packs do lose capacity: Bjørn Nyland's 2013 P85 (battery replaced after about 1 year / 86,000 km) measured 58.6 kWh usable against 73.5 kWh new in October 2026, at 331,000 km on the odometer. Ask whether the pack has ever been replaced and get the paperwork. (Bjørn Nyland / TB Test Results)
- Compare any test result with the ranges above and with the ADAC rule of thumb: at least 92% at 50,000 km, 88% at 100,000 km, 84% at 150,000 km, 80% at 200,000 km. (ADAC)
Battery warranty (UK)
Tesla's European warranty (Europe region, which includes the UK; document effective 8 July 2024): Model S and Model X battery and drive unit – 8 years or 240,000 km (about 150,000 miles), whichever comes first, with a minimum 70% battery capacity retention over the warranty period. EV Database's UK listings give 8 years / 150,000 miles for 2019-on cars. Cars bought earlier stay on the battery warranty that applied when they were bought; Electrek reported that early Model S/X terms were 8 years with unlimited miles but no capacity-loss guarantee. Check the warranty end date in the Tesla app or with Tesla using the VIN. Source: Tesla, checked 2026-10-31. Always confirm the terms for the specific car with the manufacturer.
Check how much battery warranty a Model S has left → (by registration date and mileage)
Questions to ask the seller of a used Model S – printable battery checklist → (dealer or private sale)
Sources used on this page
15 sources · 8 data points: 3 from non-AVILOO methods, 5 measured with AVILOO tests.
- Large test datasets (1 source, 1 data point): Carla AB
- Single-car tests (5 sources, 7 data points): AAA Auto, [2], [3], [4], Bjørn Nyland / TB Test Results
- Manufacturer (1 source): Tesla
- Other (specs, guides, news, surveys) (8 sources): EV Database, This is Money, [2], [3], [4], Electrek, [5], [6]
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.
Got a battery certificate for this car? How to read an EV battery health certificate →
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. Compare all UK options and prices: EV battery health check UK.
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 S 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.
- Leasing instead of buying used (UK): if you'd rather not take on an older battery, you can compare electric car lease deals: EV lease deals at Leasing.com 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 S?
Published independent data is limited. The best available figure is 92.8% (average after >100,000 km, Carla 2026 (Sweden)). See the table for every data point and its source.
What is the Tesla Model S battery warranty in the UK?
Tesla's European warranty (Europe region, which includes the UK; document effective 8 July 2024): Model S and Model X battery and drive unit – 8 years or 240,000 km (about 150,000 miles), whichever comes first, with a minimum 70% battery capacity retention over the warranty period. EV Database's UK listings give 8 years / 150,000 miles for 2019-on cars. Cars bought earlier stay on the battery warranty that applied when they were bought; Electrek reported that early Model S/X terms were 8 years with unlimited miles but no capacity-loss guarantee. Check the warranty end date in the Tesla app or with Tesla using the VIN.
What battery chemistry does the Tesla Model S use?
Nickel-based cylindrical cells. EV Database lists NCA for the 2019-on Long Range, Long Range Plus and 2024–2025 cars, with Panasonic 18650 cells on the 2024–2025 Dual Motor and Plaid; it gives no chemistry for earlier cars.
How can I check the battery of a specific Tesla Model S?
Use an independent battery test (OBD-based or remote) and compare the result with the ranges on this page. Model averages cannot tell you the condition of one specific car.
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We currently publish 8 sourced data points for the Tesla Model S (last updated 2026-10-31).
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