Range is one of the most important considerations when looking at buying an electric vehicle (EV). Unlike gas-powered cars that can be quickly refueled at gas stations across the country, EV owners need to plan around charging their vehicles. Tesla has invested heavily in their Supercharger network to alleviate range anxiety, but you still need to understand how far you can expect to go on a single charge in any Tesla model.
Here is a look at the EPA-rated driving ranges for all current Tesla models:
Tesla Model S
- Long Range: 405 miles
- Plaid: 396 miles
The Tesla Model S sedan offers class-leading range in an EV package that combines performance and luxury. Both the Long Range and ultra-fast Plaid versions provide enough range for most drivers‘ daily needs.
Tesla Model 3
- Rear-Wheel Drive: 272 miles
- Long Range: 358 miles
- Performance: 315 miles
The Model 3 is Tesla’s most affordable EV. The Long Range model can cover 358 miles on a charge, while the Performance version offers 315 miles of range with its speed-focused setup.
Tesla Model X
- Long Range: 348 miles
- Plaid: 333 miles
Tesla‘s three-row luxury SUV matches the Model S for range. The Model X provides ample room for people and cargo while still reaching 348 miles per charge in the Long Range model.
Tesla Model Y
- Long Range: 330 miles
- Performance: 303 miles
The Model Y is Tesla’s compact SUV, built on the Model 3 platform. It offers up to 330 miles of range in an affordable package with ample cargo room.
Tesla Cybertruck
- Single Motor: 250+ miles
- Dual Motor: 300+ miles
- Tri Motor: 500+ miles
Tesla‘s futuristic Cybertruck electric pickup provides incredible range estimates, with the range-topping Tri Motor version able to cover 500 miles on a single charge. It has the highest range of any current Tesla model.
Tesla Roadster
- 620 miles
The next-generation Roadster supercar will push boundaries with performance and 620 miles of driving range from a 200 kWh battery pack option.
As you can see, Tesla‘s lineup offers consistent range across models, with most versions easily topping 300 miles per charge. And options like the Model S Long Range and Cybertruck Tri Motor push closer to or above 500 miles on a single charge.
What Exactly Is Driving Range?
An EV‘s driving range refers to the total distance it can travel on a fully charged battery pack. The ranges listed above are EPA test cycle estimates meant to provide standardized range comparisons across EVs.
Your actual driving range will vary based on several factors:
- Driving Style: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds reduce range. Careful "one pedal driving" maximizes range by using regenerative braking instead of the brake pedal whenever possible.
- Climate Controls: Running heat, A/C, fans, and heating the seats or wheel can draw significant power, cutting into range.
- Terrain and Speed: Traveling at highway speeds, tackling steep hills, and carrying heavy loads in the vehicle also impact range.
- Ambient Temperature: Range is reduced in extremely hot or cold temperatures.
- Battery Health: As batteries degrade over time, usable range will decrease.
Under optimal conditions, traveling below highway speeds on flat terrain in mild weather, most Tesla models can match or even exceed their EPA range estimates. But range will inevitably vary day-to-day.
Alleviating Range Anxiety
Range anxiety – worrying about running out of charge mid-trip – is a key concern for those new to EVs. But for Tesla owners, carefully planning trips alongside Tesla‘s vast fast charging network help alleviate most worries.
Here are some of the ways Tesla enables long distance EV travel:
- Battery Size: Tesla battery packs are among the largest available, providing a range buffer.
- Charging Network: With 25,000+ Superchargers worldwide, Tesla owners have ample charging options. Stations are placed strategically along major routes.
- Fast Charging: Most Tesla models gain over 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes at Superchargers. That enables quick charging stops during long trips.
- Trip Planning: Tesla‘s trip planner makes route planning easy, outlining charging stops and total trip times.
- Charging at Destinations: It‘s helpful to have charging options once arriving at hotels or other mid-trip destinations to leave each day with a full charge without needing to visit Superchargers as frequently.
While occasionally needing to work charging stops into long trips differs from gas car refueling, smart route planning and fast, ubiquitous Superchargers make driving range drop from top-of-mind to an afterthought for most Tesla road trippers.
Affordability of Driving Electric
Along with outstanding ranges and charging infrastructure, Tesla ownership provides significant savings over gas-powered cars. Electric driving cuts down costs in two major areas:
Fuel: Instead of paying for gasoline, EV owners pay for electricity. Electricity prices equate to a "gallon of gas" cost of under $1 in most areas. Charging overnight at home leads to even lower costs.
Maintenance: EVs have far fewer mechanical parts than internal combustion engine vehicles, leading to less servicing and reduced repair costs over their lifespan. And Tesla models require no traditional oil changes, fuel filters, spark plug replacements or other gas car maintenance staples. Brakes even last significantly longer thanks to regenerative braking.
The savings from cheaper "fueling" and maintenance make Teslas less expensive to own in the long run than similarly prices gas-powered luxury vehicles. And with ranges from 272 to over 600 miles between charges, Tesla owners can enjoy everything from emission-free daily commuting to long distance road trips all while saving money.
