Yes, running a Tesla battery low frequently can be detrimental to its long-term health. Keeping the battery at critically low states of charge can accelerate degradation and reduce its overall lifespan. It’s advisable to maintain a reasonable charge level of 30-90% to preserve the battery’s health.
Running a Tesla battery low is a topic of concern for many Tesla owners and potential buyers.
Tesla’s electric vehicles are renowned for their performance, range, and sustainability. However, it’s important to understand the implications of consistently running a Tesla battery at low charge levels.
In this article, we will explore the effects of low battery levels on Tesla vehicles, including the impact on battery life, performance, and overall driving experience.
The Impact of Low Battery Levels on Tesla
1. Reduced Battery Life
Lithium-ion batteries, including those found in Tesla vehicles, have a limited number of charge cycles.
A charge cycle is defined as the process of charging a battery from a low state of charge to a high state of charge and then discharging it back to a low state of charge. Running the battery consistently at very low levels can accelerate the degradation of the battery, causing it to lose its capacity more quickly.
Tesla batteries are designed to retain approximately 80% of their original capacity after 500,000 miles of driving. However, frequent deep discharges can lead to faster capacity degradation.
| Condition | Battery Level |
|---|---|
| Optimal Charge | 30% – 90% |
| Low Battery | <25% |
| Critically Low Battery | <10% |
You should not let your car battery deplete lower than 25% regularly and should never let the car deplete to a critically low state. At the critically low point, you are in danger of damaging car components.
2. Risk of Stranding
One of the immediate concerns associated with running a Tesla battery low is the risk of being stranded without sufficient power to reach a charging station.
Tesla’s electric vehicles rely on a network of Superchargers and other charging facilities, and running the battery extremely low can leave you in a situation where you need to be towed to a charger.
Although Tesla vehicles keep a “reserve” amount of energy even when the battery appears to be empty to prevent complete discharge it’s best to avoid relying on this reserve unless you are in an emergency.
FYI, When the battery level is at 0%, your car can still go up to 20 miles with the reserve energy.
3. Reduced Performance
When the battery charge is very low, Tesla vehicles may limit their performance to protect the battery from potential damage. This can result in reduced acceleration, top speed, and overall driving experience.
Plus, some of the car components may get damaged in case they are out of power for a long period of time. So, Tesla recommends you not let the battery deplete less than 25%.
4. Increased Stress on Components
Consistently running the battery low can also place additional stress on other vehicle components, including the electric motor and power electronics.
This added stress can lead to increased wear and tear over time, potentially affecting the longevity of these components.
Tesla owners should strive to maintain a balance between preserving battery life and enjoying the vehicle’s performance. Avoiding frequent deep discharges is essential for overall vehicle health.
Does Tesla Have a Backup Battery?
No, Tesla does not have a backup battery. However, Tesla vehicles have a reserve charge. They typically reserve a small portion of the battery’s capacity to ensure that even when the displayed battery level is shown zero, there is still some charge remaining for essential functions like maintaining power for critical systems, allowing the car to be driven to a charging station in an emergency, or avoiding complete battery depletion, which can be harmful to the battery’s health.
From my experience, you can expect the Tesla to go up to 20 miles even after the battery level is shown 0%.
Best Practices for Tesla Car Battery Health
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Tesla battery, consider the following best practices:
Avoid Regular Deep Discharges: Tesla recommends not allowing the battery level to drop below 20% for daily driving. While occasional deep discharges are not a significant concern, it’s advisable to recharge as soon as possible.
Limit 100% Charging: Avoid keeping the battery at 100% charge for extended periods, especially in high-temperature conditions, as it can contribute to battery degradation.
Use “Battery Saver” Mode: Tesla vehicles offer a “Battery Saver” mode that can help manage the state of charge to extend battery life. Enable this mode when necessary.
Plan Charging Stops: When embarking on long trips, plan charging stops strategically to avoid running the battery too low. Utilize Tesla’s navigation system, which factors in charging stops for optimal route planning.
What Happens If Your Tesla Runs Out of Battery?
If your Tesla runs out of battery, several consequences can occur:
Car Will Stop and Need to Be Towed:
When a Tesla’s battery is depleted, the car will come to a complete stop, and you won’t be able to drive it further.
In such a situation, you’ll need to arrange for a tow to transport your vehicle to a charging station. This can be inconvenient and costly, depending on your location and towing services.
Towing a Tesla differs from towing an internal combustion engine car in a critical way: you can’t simply keep the wheels on the ground. Tesla vehicles require specialized towing that involves lifting all four wheels off the road surface.
The reason behind this distinction lies in the fact that when the wheels of a Tesla spin, they generate power and heat. Without the proper cooling system running, this heat can potentially damage the vehicle’s internal systems.
Therefore, it’s essential to employ a towing method that ensures all wheels are off the ground, safeguarding the car’s delicate electronics and preventing potential harm during transport.
Tesla Will Need Jumpstart
Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, electric cars like Tesla do not have a traditional starter motor and rely on the battery to initiate the electrical systems. Running a Tesla battery completely flat will require a jumpstart from an external power source.
The reason behind this is the low-voltage battery’s operation. When the vehicle’s range is depleted to the point where the low-voltage battery is no longer supported, it becomes impossible to initiate a recharge of the high-voltage (HV) battery.
Consequently, an external power supply becomes essential to provide support to the low-voltage battery, enabling the subsequent charging of the HV battery.
Critical Components Might Get Damaged:
Consistently running a Tesla battery to a critically low level can potentially damage critical components of the vehicle.
While modern electric vehicles, including Teslas, are equipped with sophisticated Battery Management Systems (BMS) to prevent over-discharge, pushing the battery to its limits can still have adverse effects on the battery’s long-term health and the vehicle’s performance.
To avoid these scenarios, it’s advisable to monitor your Tesla’s battery level, plan your trips with charging stops in mind, and follow Tesla’s recommendations for maintaining an optimal state of charge. Additionally, using features like “Battery Saver” mode can help manage your battery’s state to prevent running out of charge in the first place.
Conclusion
Running a Tesla battery low on occasion is not inherently “bad,” but it’s essential to be mindful of the potential consequences.
Regularly deep discharging the battery can lead to reduced battery life, increased stress on vehicle components, and a less-than-ideal driving experience. Tesla owners should follow
Tesla’s guidelines and use available features to manage the state of charge effectively, ensuring both the longevity and performance of their electric vehicles.
By adopting these practices, Tesla owners can strike a balance between enjoying their vehicles and preserving their battery’s health.