Key Takeaways
1. The Tesla Model S has proven its durability, with high-mileage examples showing minimal battery degradation over time.
2. The 2015 Model S 70D, after 10 years, has maintained about 88.1% of its original battery capacity, indicating only a 12% decline.
3. Electric vehicles, like the Model S, tend to have lower annual maintenance costs compared to traditional vehicles due to fewer moving parts.
4. The owner of the 2015 Model S reported a positive ownership experience, with only minor issues such as door handle motor replacements.
5. Despite being a decade old, the Model S remains a reliable option, suggesting longevity in electric vehicle technology.
With the Tesla Model S being over ten years old now, we are seeing many high-mileage Teslas that have proven their durability without needing battery replacements. Last year, we shared videos from AutoTrader UK showcasing a Model S that surpassed 430,000 miles, showing a manageable 23% battery degradation.
A Closer Look at the 2015 Model S 70D
Recently, the YouTube channel Ludicrous Feed released a video about their 10-year-old Tesla Model S. Specifically, they focused on the 2015 Model S 70D, which features a 69 kWh battery and claims a range of 350 km, or 218 miles. This vehicle has accumulated over 121,000 km, or about 75,000 miles, which is relatively low for its age.
Battery Health Test Results
In their review, Ludicrous Feed conducted a third-party test on the battery of their decade-old Model S. The findings showed that the battery capacity has decreased to approximately 61 kWh, which is around 88.1% of its initial capacity. Even though 75,000 miles over ten years may sound low, it still represents a significant amount of usage. The fact that the battery only experienced a 12% decline is certainly noteworthy.
When you consider that the average American keeps their vehicle for about 12 years, one could say that this Model S is nearing the end of its life. While it’s true that replacing a battery is considerably more expensive than repairing a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, it’s important to note that electric vehicles (EVs) generally incur lower annual maintenance costs due to having far fewer moving parts.
Positive Owner Experience
Overall, Tom, the host of Ludicrous Feed, seemed quite pleased with owning the Model S, expressing no significant issues after a decade of ownership. The door handle motors did need replacement outside of warranty, which was a common problem for the 2015 models. Other than that, the video, which you can watch below, presents a very favorable view of the vehicle.
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