One Year of Ownership: Model 3 Long Range Real-World Usage Report
July 15, 2026 at 07:37 PM·2 months ago
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2019 Model 3 Long Range, 70,000 Miles Battery Degradation Real Test Data
It's that time of year for an update again. I got my Model 3 LR in 2019, and it now has 71,000 miles. Here's some real data for friends concerned about battery degradation. New car EPA range was 310 miles. Now, when charged to 100%, the display shows 278 miles, a degradation of about 10.3%. The first 30,000 miles saw the fastest drop (about 6%), and it slowed down significantly afterward. The last 20,000 miles only dropped about 2%, which is basically consistent with the curves from large-sample statistics online. My charging habits: Daily home charging is capped at 80%. Before long trips, I charge to 100%. Supercharging accounts for about 15% of my charging. I haven't babied it; it's parked outdoors even in the summer. Maintenance costs: In seven years, I've only replaced one set of tires, the wipers twice, and the cabin air filter once. The 12V battery was replaced preventatively last year ($150). Brake pads have barely worn down due to regenerative braking, with over 7mm remaining. Conclusion: Don't be too afraid of the battery when buying a used Model 3. Focus on whether there have been any accidents or chassis damage. Degradation can be verified by charging to full on the spot and checking the display. A 70,000-mile LR is now around $18,000 used. You can truly let go of range anxiety.
Model 3 Four-Year Real Cost Breakdown: Electricity, Insurance, and Maintenance Fully Revealed
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