How Long Can a Tesla EV Battery Hold Its Charge?
Tesla's electric vehicles (EVs) rely on lithium-ion batteries, a common choice for most EVs today. These batteries are powerful and efficient, but they aren't perfect. They can lose charge even when the car isn't being used. This phenomenon is called discharge.
Types of Lithium-Ion Batteries
There are two main types of lithium-ion batteries:
Aluminum, Cobalt, Manganese, and Nickel (NCM)
- Primarily used in the U.S.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
- Popular in China
Both types can lose charge over time.
Tesla's Battery Discharge Rate
Tesla is transparent about how much their batteries discharge. According to the Tesla Model Y owner's manual:
- The battery can lose about 1% of its charge each day.
- This means it would take around 100 days for a fully charged Tesla Model Y to completely drain its battery.
Factors Affecting Discharge Rate
The discharge rate isn't always the same. It can change based on:
- Weather conditions
- How the car is stored
So, the actual time it takes for the battery to drain can vary.
Driving vs. Parking
It's important to note that this discharge rate is for when the car is not in use. When driving, the battery drains much faster. But when parked, the loss is slow. This is why it's a good idea to charge your EV regularly, even if you don't use it every day.