Lecture Notes: Tesla Model 3 Battery Health and Maintenance

Overview

• Model: 2018 Tesla Model 3
• Mileage: Over 120,000 miles
• Key Benefit: Saved money on gas and oil over 5 years
• Main Concern: Battery warranty expired

Battery Warranty and Concerns

• Warranty Details:
  • Covers 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • Ensures at least 70% capacity retention.
• Post-Warranty Concerns:
  • Fear of expensive battery replacement.
  • Potential battery replacement costs around $20,000.
  • Consumer fear due to potential high replacement cost.

Battery Performance

• Tesla's 2022 Impact Report:
  • Average battery capacity loss of 12% after 200,000 miles.
• Personal Experience:
  • Initial range: 310 miles.
  • Current estimated range: 280 miles (~90% original capacity).

Battery Health Assessment Tools

• Recurrent:
  • Software tool for battery performance reports.
  • Provides monthly insights on battery range and health.
  • Connects owners to dealerships for battery-based offers.
• Real-World Tests:
  • Charge to 100% and drive until battery depletion to measure usage.
• Official Health Test:
  • Accessed via Tesla's service menu.
  • Involves a 24-hour test by discharging and recharging the battery.

Test Results and Observations

• Test Result: Indicated battery health at 7%.
• Concern: Despite low health percentage, estimated range remains strong.
• Possible Reasons for Discrepancy:
  • Potential bug or incorrect test execution.
  • Misinterpretation of health percentage.

Future Considerations

• Battery Replacement Costs:
  • Estimated $16,550 for a full replacement (as of 2020).
• Maintenance Practices:
  • Avoid excessive supercharging.
  • Home charging preferred, limited to 80% daily use.
  • Rarely deplete below 20% charge.

Conclusion

• Personal Decision: Continue using the Model 3.
• Rationale: Current performance and range are satisfactory.
• Invitation: Feedback requested on personal decision.

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