Tesla Model Y Battery Capacity at 91% After One Year and 40,000 Km
After one year and approximately 40,000 kilometers of use, a Tesla Model Y's battery is estimated to retain around 91% of its original capacity.
Analysis of electric vehicle battery degradation suggests that the most significant capacity loss occurs early in the vehicle's life, with the rate slowing down over time. A Tesla Model Y Premium (rear-wheel drive, 2026 model year) driven for approximately 40,000 kilometers (about 25,000 miles) over one year showed an estimated 91% of its original battery capacity remaining.
The assessment was performed by YouTuber Andy Slye, who utilized the Tesla app's diagnostic function, yielding a general "healthy" status. A more detailed estimate of battery health was provided by Recurrent, a third-party service that analyzes vehicle data such as charge levels, estimated range, mileage, and charging patterns compared to similar models.
Despite the early capacity reduction, Slye expressed no concern, stating that a realistic daily range of approximately 240 miles (386 km) when charging to 80% is sufficient for his needs. He primarily charges at home and uses Superchargers infrequently. Furthermore, the vehicle's first year was spent in Kentucky, avoiding the extreme heat that can accelerate battery aging seen in regions like Arizona.
This observed degradation pattern aligns with expectations for Tesla vehicles using nickel-based batteries, which typically experience the most notable capacity decrease within the first two to three years or roughly 80,000 kilometers (50,000 miles). Following this initial period, the battery's capacity loss is expected to become significantly more gradual. Data from other long-term Tesla vehicles suggest sustained capacity retention even after hundreds of thousands of kilometers.