Tesla Service UK / Guides / Range & Battery
Tesla range & battery degradation explained
What genuinely affects range and battery health, how to check your own car's condition, and how to read the numbers without guessing.
Last fact-checked: . This page explains general principles that apply across Tesla's range — for your specific car's numbers, always check the car's own screen and your battery warranty documentation rather than relying on a general guide.
Real-world vs advertised range
Why is my real range lower than the advertised figure?
The advertised WLTP or EPA range comes from controlled test-cycle conditions, not everyday driving. In practice, range is reduced by cold weather (battery chemistry is less efficient when cold, and cabin heating draws real power), sustained motorway speeds above roughly 60-70mph, tyre choice and under-inflation, and extra weight such as a full car or roof box. Seeing 10-30% less than the advertised figure in cold weather or fast motorway driving is normal — it doesn't indicate a fault with the car.
Checking battery health
How do I actually check my battery's health?
Tesla doesn't show a single "battery health %" figure on the car's own screen. The most reliable DIY method: after a full charge to 100%, note the estimated range shown, and compare it against the original rated range for your exact model, year and battery variant when new. A single reading is a snapshot — logging it every few months (or using a third-party tool like TeslaFi, in our resources list) gives a much more meaningful trend than one number in isolation.
Fast charging
Does Supercharging damage the battery faster?
Heavy, exclusive reliance on DC fast charging can contribute to somewhat faster long-term degradation compared with mostly slower AC home charging — but Tesla's battery management system is built specifically to manage heat and charge rate during fast charging, and Tesla does not advise owners to avoid Supercharging for normal use, including regularly on long trips. It's a matter of degree over a car's whole life, not a rule that turns one Supercharge session into meaningful damage.
Best routine
What's the best charging habit to protect the battery long-term?
- Daily charging to roughly 80-90% rather than 100% every night.
- Reserve charging to 100% for days you actually need the extra range, such as a long trip.
- Avoid leaving the car sitting at a very low state of charge for long periods, particularly in cold weather.
None of this is a strict rule — occasionally charging to 100% or letting the battery run low doesn't cause sudden damage. It's a long-term habit that modestly slows the rate of degradation over years, not a daily requirement to panic about.
Warranty cover
Is degradation actually covered by warranty?
Yes — Tesla's battery and drive unit warranty specifically covers excessive degradation, not only outright failure, typically defined as capacity dropping below a stated percentage within the warranty's year and mileage limits. Exact thresholds vary by model and battery pack, so check your own vehicle's specific terms directly with Tesla using your VIN rather than assuming a figure quoted for a different model applies to yours.