Tesla is known for its innovative electric vehicles, and one of the most important components of these vehicles is the battery. The battery is responsible for powering the car and providing the necessary energy to drive.
As with any battery, the health of a Tesla battery can degrade over time, which can affect the performance of the vehicle. In this article, we will discuss How to check Tesla battery health and many more.
What is the Terminology of Tesla Battery?
Before delving into the battery health check, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the terminologies related to Tesla batteries:
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Batteries
Tesla batteries are Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
Individual Li-ion Cells
Tesla’s battery system is comprised of 6,831 individual Li-ion cells.
18650-type Cylindrical Batteries
The company started its journey with the original Tesla Roadster using 18650-type cylindrical batteries designed for general purposes.
Cathode Types
In Tesla’s electric vehicles, nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA), nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM), and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) are the three primary cathode materials.
Cell Format
Tesla has a diversified strategy in terms of cell format, cathode chemistry, and suppliers. The company started its journey with the original Tesla Roadster using 18650-type cylindrical batteries designed for general purposes.
As time passed, Tesla realized that bigger battery cells designed specifically for electric cars would be more efficient. This led to the introduction of the 2170-type cylindrical cell, which became widely available for the Tesla Model 3 / Tesla Model Y, as well as energy storage products.
In 2023, a new cylindrical cell format called the 4680-type was introduced to the market. It is currently the largest format available. This cell is 5 times larger than the 2170-type, which enables enhanced system optimization and the implementation of innovative technologies.
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How To Check Tesla Battery Health?
There are different ways to check the health of your Tesla battery. Here are some methods you can use:
Touchscreen Display:
There are two primary methods to assess the health of your Tesla battery:
- Through the car’s touchscreen display,
- Or using the Tesla mobile app.
To monitor the health of your car battery using the touchscreen display:
- go to the “Vehicle” tab
- Select “Battery Health.”
Tesla App
You can use the Tesla app to view the current charge, range, and estimated charge time of your battery or to run a self-diagnosis to check if your range is within normal parameters.
To determine if your vehicle’s range falls within the standard parameters,
- To request a service, open your mobile app and click on “Service,” then select “Request Service.”
- To view your battery range, tap on “Battery” and then select “Range.”
- When prompted to explain the issue, type in “loss of range.”
- Select “Next,” and the application will perform a self-diagnosis to assess the health of your battery.
If there are no problems with your battery or range, the app will display the message “No issue detected.”
Monitor Available Range
You can also monitor the available range per full charge and compare it to the expected range based on your mileage and battery degradation.
Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps can answer this question, but the Tesla Service team also often fields requests from owners to check on the health of the battery in their car. You can use other apps like TeslaFi to record your charging capacity and statistics.
Voltmeter
To assess the health of your Tesla battery, you can use a voltmeter. Simply connect the voltmeter to the positive and negative terminals of your battery, and take a reading.
Consult with Tesla Service Center
For a more comprehensive analysis of your Tesla battery health, consider scheduling an appointment with your nearest Tesla Service Center.
Tesla technicians can perform a thorough diagnostic check on your battery and provide you with detailed insights into its overall health and performance. They can also address any concerns or issues you may have about your battery’s health.
What are the Tips for Maintaining Tesla Battery Health?
Regularly checking your Tesla battery’s health is just one aspect of ensuring its longevity. Here are some additional tips for maintaining your battery’s health:
Set a Daily Charging Routine
It is recommended to maintain a regular charging routine for your device using a low-voltage charger on a daily basis. It’s best to rely on high-voltage charging or Tesla Supercharging only when necessary.
Use Regenerative Braking
For maximum energy recovery during deceleration, it is recommended to set your Regenerative Braking to “Standard.”
Reduce Aerodynamic Drag
Reduce aerodynamic drag by keeping your car clean and free of debris and by removing any unnecessary roof racks or cargo carriers.
Avoid Discharging Battery Completely
Avoid deep discharging of the battery pack. It’s advisable to avoid letting the battery charge drop below 10% frequently.
Charge More Frequently
Battery charging should be kept between 20% and 90% whenever possible.
Don’t Regularly Charge the Car to 100%
To optimize your battery life, it is recommended to avoid leaving it fully charged at 100%. It is best to keep the battery level between 20% and 90% whenever possible.
Limit Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
Extreme heat or cold can impact battery performance. Whenever possible, park your Tesla in a garage or shaded area to protect it from extreme temperatures.
Install Tesla Software Updates
Regularly updating your Tesla’s software ensures that your vehicle benefits from the latest optimizations and improvements, including battery management.
Related Post: How Much Does a Tesla 12v Battery Replacement Cost?
What is the Warranty of Battery and Drive Unit Limited Provided by Tesla?
Tesla vehicle’s batteries and drive units are under warranty for a certain time period:
| Tesla Vehicle | Battery and Drive Unit |
| Model S | Eight years or 150,000 miles, with minimum capacity retention of 70%. |
| Model X | Eight years or 150,000 miles, with minimum capacity retention of 70%. |
| Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive | Eight years or 100,000 miles, with minimum capacity retention of 70%. |
| Model 3 Long Range | Eight years or 120,000 miles, with minimum capacity retention of 70%. |
| Model 3 Performance | Eight years or 120,000 miles, with minimum capacity retention of 70%. |
| Model Y All-Wheel Drive | Eight years or 120,000 miles, with minimum capacity retention of 70%. |
| Model Y Long Range | Eight years or 120,000 miles, with minimum capacity retention of 70%. |
| Model Y Performance | Eight years or 120,000 miles, with minimum capacity retention of 70%. |
Note: These warranties provide coverage for repairing or replacing any parts made or supplied by Tesla that have defects in materials or workmanship during normal use.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Can a Tesla workshop repair a damaged battery?
While Tesla workshops can repair numerous types of damages, there are certain damages that are irreversible and permanent, even with the help of technicians.
How frequently should I check my Tesla battery health?
It is recommended to check your Tesla battery health regularly, at least once a month, to ensure that it is functioning properly and to detect any potential issues early on.
What factors can affect the health of my Tesla battery?
Several factors can affect the health of your Tesla battery, including temperature, charging habits, driving style, and age.
What should I do if my Tesla battery health is deteriorating?
If you notice that your Tesla battery health is deteriorating, you should take your car to a Tesla service center for further evaluation and possible repair or replacement.
How long does a Tesla battery last?
The lifespan of a Tesla battery varies depending on several factors, but most Tesla batteries are designed to last for at least 300,000 to 500,000 miles with minimal degradation.
