Extensive Study Finds Tesla Supercharging Doesn’t Hasten Battery Degradation

Recent research using data from thousands of Tesla vehicles shows no significant battery degradation from frequent Supercharging.

• Recurrent’s study with data from over 12,500 Tesla vehicles finds little to no difference in battery degradation between frequent and rare Supercharging.

• Tesla’s recent update indicates only around 12% battery capacity loss after 320,000 kilometers.

• Extreme scenarios examined, comparing vehicles with over 90% versus under 10% fast charging.

A comprehensive study has challenged the long-held belief that frequent Supercharging negatively impacts Tesla battery degradation. Historically, there has been concern within the industry that frequent DC fast charging, such as Supercharging, might harm battery longevity, with even Tesla issuing warnings in the past.

This new study, conducted by Recurrent, delved into battery degradation across over 12,500 Tesla vehicles in the US. Contrary to common assumptions, the data indicates that there is minimal difference in battery degradation between vehicles that undergo frequent fast charging and those that engage in rare fast charging.

Tesla’s recent update regarding battery degradation reveals that their vehicles experience only around a 12% loss in capacity after traveling 320,000 kilometers. The Recurrent study provides further insights, showing that both the Model 3 and Model Y exhibit similar results. Intriguingly, the research also focuses on extreme scenarios, comparing vehicles that fast charge at least 90% of the time to those that engage in fast charging less than 10% of the time. Notably, the results highlight no statistically significant range degradation differences between these two groups of Teslas.

While Tesla’s current owner manual no longer addresses frequent DC fast charging’s impact on battery longevity, it does mention the potential for a slight decrease in peak charging rates after a high number of DC Fast Charging sessions. This decrease is attributed to factors such as battery temperature, charge levels, and battery aging. Notably, these changes are in accordance with battery physics and may add a few extra minutes to the total Supercharging duration over time.

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The study findings do emphasize that extreme temperature conditions, either hot or cold, are not conducive to optimal battery performance. However, this is also consistent with conventional vehicles powered by internal combustion engines.

Overall, this study adds to the growing body of knowledge regarding EV battery performance and charging practices. It suggests that, contrary to previous assumptions, frequent Supercharging appears to have minimal impact on Tesla battery degradation. Nonetheless, it’s prudent to be mindful of battery health during extreme temperature conditions, as these factors can affect both conventional vehicles and electric ones alike.