Battery degradation and warranty

All lithium-ion batteries lose some capacity over time. In Teslas, the loss is usually gradual, with most of it in the first couple of years, then levelling off.

What owners see

Many owners report a modest drop in full-charge range in the first year or two, then much slower change afterwards. Cars with a lot of miles often still have most of their original range. Each car is different, depending on climate, charging habits and battery type.

Does Supercharging damage the battery?

Using Superchargers for road trips is what the car is designed for. The car manages temperature and charging speed to protect the battery. Owners who rely almost entirely on rapid charging may see slightly more degradation over many years than those who charge mostly at home, but it doesn't affect the warranty.

The battery warranty

Tesla's battery and drive unit warranty in the UK lasts 8 years, with a mileage limit that depends on the model and version, and guarantees a minimum level of battery capacity over that period (Tesla quotes 70% retention). Check the exact terms for your car on Tesla's UK warranty page, as they vary by model and year.

Checking battery health

Newer software includes a battery health test in the car's Service menu. A Tesla service centre can also check it. When buying used, ask for a recent check. See Buying a used Tesla.