Early Tesla Model S sedans, once commanding six-figure prices, are now available for less than the cost of a new Honda Civic. Despite their age and high mileage, many of these vehicles retain a significant portion of their original battery capacity, making them an intriguing option for used EV buyers. InsideEVs examined how these aging Teslas are holding up and what buyers should consider.
Battery Degradation: Real-World Results
Concerns about battery degradation are common among used EV shoppers, especially for older models like the early Tesla Model S. However, evidence from high-mileage examples shows that these batteries are aging better than many expect. Even Model S sedans over 10 years old and with around 200,000 miles (~320,000 km) typically retain between 85% and 90% of their original battery capacity.
This translates to a real-world range of about 200 miles (~320 km), which remains practical for daily use. For example, a 2015 Model S P85D with nearly 160,000 miles (~260,000 km) was recently tested and, according to the Tessie app, retained about 86% of its original battery capacity. The car could still cover around 186 miles (~300 km) at highway speeds, a respectable figure for its age.
Performance and Ownership Experience
Despite the age and mileage, early Model S Performance variants like the P85D still deliver strong acceleration, with 691 horsepower on tap. The tested P85D originally offered up to 305 miles (~491 km) of NEDC range and a 253-mile (~407 km) EPA rating. While this is behind the latest Model S or modern midsize electric sedans, it remains sufficient for most daily needs and occasional road trips.
One standout feature is the ‘SC01’ free lifetime Supercharging option, available on vehicles built from 2012 through January 2017. This benefit is transferable to new owners, allowing continued free charging at Tesla Supercharger stations. The current owner of the tested P85D regularly drives a 250-mile (~400 km) cross-country route and reports no issues, highlighting the value of this feature for frequent travelers.
What to Watch for When Buying Used
Battery health can vary significantly between vehicles, even those built at the same time. Prospective buyers should always request a battery health test and ask for documentation regarding any previous battery or drive unit replacements. A thorough test drive, including a Supercharger session, is recommended to check for abnormal charging behavior.
It’s also important to verify the presence of transferable free Supercharging. Tesla’s fair-use policy restricts certain commercial uses, and some charging benefits, like the SC05 option, are not transferable. Buyers should confirm the free-charging status under ‘Specs and Warranty’ in the Tesla app, which requires cooperation from the current owner.
Competitor Comparison
Compared to other early electric vehicles, the Model S stands out for its battery longevity. For instance, the Nissan Leaf is known for more pronounced battery degradation over time, often leading to reduced range. In contrast, the Model S maintains a higher percentage of its original capacity even after extensive use, making it a more attractive option in the used EV market.
Historical Context
Tesla’s position in the U.S. EV market has been dominant, with approximately 49% market share in 2024. However, the company experienced its first annual decline in global deliveries in over a decade, with 1.79 million vehicles delivered in 2024, down from 670,000 U.S. sales in 2023 to 634,000 in 2024, an 8.4% year-over-year drop. Despite this, the durability of early Model S batteries continues to support Tesla’s reputation for long-term EV reliability.
Why this matters
The resilience of early Model S batteries challenges common perceptions about EV longevity and supports the case for buying older electric vehicles. With many high-mileage examples retaining most of their original capacity, buyers can find affordable, practical EVs without the immediate need for costly battery replacements.
Transferable free Supercharging further enhances the value proposition, especially for drivers who rely on public charging infrastructure or travel long distances.
What this means for buyers
Buyers considering a used Model S should prioritize vehicles with documented battery health and transferable free Supercharging. Setting a search cutoff at 2016 increases the likelihood of finding a car with the SC01 option. While early Model S sedans may not match the efficiency or range of newer EVs, their combination of performance, space, and battery durability makes them a compelling choice in the used market.
Key Specs
- Typical retained battery capacity (10+ years, 200,000 miles): 85% to 90%
- Real-world range (high mileage): 200 miles (~320 km)
- Tested 2015 Model S P85D battery estimate: 86% of original capacity
- Tested 2015 Model S P85D highway range: 186 miles (~300 km)
- Factory NEDC range (2015 P85D): 305 miles (~491 km)
- Factory EPA range (2015 P85D): 253 miles (~407 km)
- Horsepower (2015 P85D): 691 hp
- Current used price range (2015 Model S): $11,500 (~AUD 16,293) to $16,850 (~AUD 23,872) (dealer); private sellers from $10,000 (~AUD 14,168)
Source
Images sourced from: solarreviews.com, arenaev.com, unpluggedperformance.com
