High-Mileage EVs Retain Efficiency Comparable to New Models, Study Finds
Key Insights
A study by UK specialists RSEV tested a Tesla Model 3 with 225,000 miles against a newer model, finding nearly identical efficiency and battery performance.
Both vehicles consumed 65% of their battery capacity over 200 miles, with efficiency differences of less than 1%, attributed to minor variables like driving style or tire type.
The high-mileage Tesla retained 89% of its original battery capacity, demonstrating the durability of EV components over time.
The findings alleviate concerns about purchasing used EVs, highlighting their long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional gas vehicles.
UK electric car sales and service specialists RSEV have conducted a groundbreaking study comparing the efficiency of a high-mileage Tesla Model 3 Long Range with 225,000 miles to a nearly identical model with just 18,000 miles. The results, published on June 28, 2025, reveal that electric vehicles (EVs) maintain their efficiency remarkably well over time, even after extensive use. The two cars were tested under identical conditions—same roads, same day, and similar driving patterns—covering 200 miles of mixed city and highway driving. The high-mileage vehicle delivered an efficiency of 4.51 miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh), while the low-mileage car achieved 4.55 mi/kWh, a negligible difference of less than 1%. Both consumed 65% of their battery capacity for the trip, underscoring the consistency of EV performance regardless of mileage.
The study also addressed concerns about battery degradation, a common worry among potential used EV buyers. The 225,000-mile Tesla retained 89% of its original battery capacity, a figure that aligns with industry expectations for well-maintained EVs. According to RSEV, both vehicles were entirely original, including their motors and battery packs, further validating the durability of EV components. This finding is particularly significant given the higher upfront cost of EVs, as it suggests that used models can offer comparable performance and longevity to new ones, making them a cost-effective alternative.
The implications of this study extend beyond consumer confidence. It challenges the traditional perception of vehicle depreciation and wear, where internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles often suffer significant efficiency losses and mechanical failures at high mileage. EVs, by contrast, appear to maintain their core performance metrics over time, with wear limited primarily to replaceable components like suspension parts and wheel bearings. For the automotive market, this could accelerate the adoption of used EVs, particularly as more models enter the secondary market with proven reliability.