How many miles do you think the world’s highest-mileage Tesla Model 3 has covered? Whatever figure you’re thinking, the actual number will surprise you.
The Model 3 is affordable and has enough driving range to be practical for most drivers. In addition, Tesla owns one of the largest charging networks in existence, so it’s easy to see why the electric sedan is hugely popular.
Out of sheer curiosity, we decided to do some digging online to find the world’s highest-mileage Tesla Model 3. Not only did our findings blow our minds, but they also got us thinking about how and why the Model 3 is capable of accumulating so many miles.
The data used to compile this article was sourced from Tesla and other authoritative sources, including The Electric Viking’s YouTube channel, to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.
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This Tesla Model 3 Has Hit Nearly Half-A-Million Miles
During our research, we quickly stumbled upon a video posted to YouTube by The Electric Viking in April 2024. Like ourselves, the YouTuber was on a mission to find the world’s highest-mileage Tesla Model 3—and he found it.
April 2024 is a long time ago, so does the Model 3 in question still hold the record? The answer is yes. Although we cannot confirm an up-to-date mileage, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor had clocked up an incredible 420,314 miles when the video was posted. As you can imagine, it’s likely to be much higher now, considering the time that has passed and the mileage it’s been averaging in its relatively short lifespan.
The Model 3’s high mileage is significant for several reasons. Firstly, some of the most reliable ICE vehicles struggle to make it past the 200,000-mile mark without experiencing engine or transmission issues, and pushing past the 250,000 miles without a significant mechanical mishap along the way is virtually unheard of in modern times.
Of course, there are rare exceptions, but you’ll find these vehicles have been meticulously maintained by their owners. Further, vehicles capable of achieving such high mileages are generally produced by Japanese automakers like Honda or Toyota, both of which are renowned for their reliability.
The Tesla Model 3 Required Minimal Maintenance
The owner of the Tesla 3 claims that it required minimal maintenance to achieve such a feat. What’s truly amazing is that the EV still runs on its original Tesla battery pack, and the motors haven’t been replaced.
The Tesla Model 3 lasted over twice as long as many new vehicles without needing costly replacements for its major mechanical components. That being said, EVs don’t necessarily require the same level of maintenance as ICE vehicles, such as an oil change, which isn’t needed.
While some EV owners claim their vehicles, especially all-wheel-drive ones, require new tires more frequently than ICE vehicles, The Electric Viking says that many of the highest-mileage Teslas didn’t need tire changes often. It’s worth mentioning that tire manufacturers, like Michelin, produce tires specifically designed for EVs and their unique needs.
The Tesla Model 3 Is the King of EVs
The Tesla Model 3 found during The Electric Viking’s research is special because it has accumulated hundreds of thousands of miles more than most consumers would expect from a vehicle, let alone an EV. This is sure to make drivers consider the popular EV’s full capabilities.
This special accomplishment raises some important questions about the longevity of Teslas and other EVs, though. Do EVs have the potential to surpass 200,000 miles of ownership without facing any major mechanical issues? Can this be the norm for well-maintained Teslas? What are the financial ramifications of a vehicle that could last twice as long as many ICE vehicles?
Although the Tesla Model 3 hasn’t been without its issues, the EV has dominated the electric sedan space for years. It’s successfully managed to keep rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 at bay to maintain its position as the King of EVs.
2025 Tesla Model 3 Specs
Granted, the Tesla Model 3 may be long-lasting, but how good is it to drive? What’s the driving range like? The 2025 Model 3 is available in three different configurations, offering drivers a wide range of power and driving range.
|
Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD |
Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD |
|
|
Driveline |
Rear-wheel drive (single motor) |
All-wheel drive (dual motor) |
All-wheel drive (dual motor) |
|
Transmission |
Single-speed automatic |
Single-speed automatic |
Single-speed automatic |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.9 seconds |
4.2 seconds |
2.9 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
125 mph |
125 mph |
163 mph |
|
Driving Range (EPA Est.) |
363 miles |
346 miles |
298 miles |
|
Battery |
60 kWh lithium iron phosphate |
79 kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt |
79 kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt |
|
Starting Price (Exc. Est. Incentives) |
$42,490 |
$47,490 |
$54,990 |
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 boasts some incredible performance specs across its trim levels. It produces massive power, and some of its configurations are mind-blowingly quick, like the 2025 Model 3 Performance AWD, which rockets from 0-60 mph in an astonishing 2.9 seconds.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Model 3 Long Range AWD boasts an impressive 326 miles of driving range, making it a great option for drivers who struggle with range anxiety. It’s worth noting that every Model 3 is applicable to the federal electric vehicle tax incentive of $7,500, and depending on where you live, drivers can also receive additional state incentives.
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Why the Tesla Model 3 Can Reach Impressive Mileage
Thanks to its powertrain and durable components, the Tesla Model 3 is capable of achieving high mileage. Unlike ICE vehicles, which require regular maintenance like oil changes, EVs are easier to maintain and require fewer upkeep needs.
The Model 3 seems designed for longevity, and although there’s no guaranteed way to exceed mileage expectations, following some best practices can help maximize lifespan.
Tesla Model 3 Maintenance Tips
- Try and steer clear of extreme temperatures
- Monitor brake pads and brake fluid
- Avoid full depletion or full charge of the battery
- Don’t depend completely on fast-charging
While the Tesla Model 3’s battery doesn’t require maintenance in the conventional sense, there are steps owners can take to ensure longevity. One simple but important tip is to avoid overcharging or letting the battery drain completely.
Overcharging can lead to serious issues, as seen with cases like the Chevy Bolt EV (pre-recall), highlighting the risks of battery problems. To maintain your Model 3, it’s crucial to establish a regular charging routine to prevent potential issues down the road—pardon the pun.
Other High-Mileage Tesla Model 3 Examples
The Electric Viking’s video highlights over 30 Tesla Model 3s, each exceeding 300,000 miles. While the 420,000-mile example holds the record for incredible longevity, it’s far from unique. According to the video, Model Ys, especially the Long Range variants, can also outlast most traditional ICE vehicles.
The electric vehicle market is still emerging, leaving plenty to discover about EV longevity. In theory, a Model 3 could eventually reach 500,000 miles, but does this impressive endurance change the way you view the electric sedan?
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Tesla Models and Longevity
The highest-mileage Tesla Model Y has reached over 211,576 miles, averaging around 42,200 miles annually—more than three times the national average of 13,476 miles. Tesla vehicles can last well beyond 200,000 miles, though there’s no clear mileage limit for popular models like the Model 3 and Model Y, as both are relatively new, with the Model 3 debuting in the summer of 2017 and the Model Y launching in the spring of 2020.
Tesla’s Most Popular EVs Prove to Be Reliable
The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 are now the top EVs in the U.S. market. While this wasn’t always the case, the EV sector has become much more competitive.
The Model Y now faces rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. On the other hand, the Model competes with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and BMW i4.
The Tesla Model Y has just three complaints across its six model years on CarComplaints.com, while the Model 3 has only 21 complaints over eight years. The 2023 Model 3 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Safety Administration, with the 2024 rating still pending. Tesla’s most popular EVs are proving reliable for long-term ownership.
