2021 Tesla Model 3 that was used as Uber paints a promising picture after travelling 255,000 miles
Published on Aug 17, 2025 at 9:21 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Aug 14, 2025 at 7:22 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A 2021 Tesla Model 3 EV that was used as an Uber has painted a promising picture for battery degradation after traveling 255,000 miles.
Many potential EV owners have been worried about what will happen when they have clocked up 100,000+ miles, and if the batteries will suffer more as they degrade.
A repair shop in Australia recently had a 2021 Model 3 come in that had done huge mileage, after serving for a few years as an Uber taxi.
The results of tests speak for themselves, showing that electric cars, in particular Teslas, have very good battery degradation levels.
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How far had the 2021 Tesla Model 3 gone?
The repair shop posted in a Facebook group the mileage that the car had done.
They say it came in after 255,000 miles, and needed worn-out mount bushings replaced on its factory motor and battery.
Upon seeing how impressive the mileage figures were, they asked the owner if they could publish the battery stats.

Despite the high mileage, the battery on the Tesla had lost no more than 12 percent of its original capacity.
That could provide a lot of comfort to those unsure whether to buy into the EV market.
Another Tesla Model 3 recently achieved 150,000 miles and lost just 10 percent of its battery capacity.
Electric car batteries will last longer than some believe
What is clear is that the batteries in EVs last far longer than you might think.
Firstly, to lose just 12 percent over five years and with over 250,000 miles is very impressive.
Secondly, Tesla’s own charts have shown that battery degradation is at its worst in the first 50,000 miles.
It then drops off for the remainder of the car’s useful life cycle.

So once you break through that mileage barrier, you will see very little degradation and may not notice any change in your car.
Tesla has estimated that most vehicles are scrapped after they reach around 200,000 miles.
But if degradation is that low at over 200,000 miles, why scrap the car?
In fact, this could mean that electric vehicle owners could hold onto their cars for many years.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.