Running a Tesla battery low can have some negative effects on the battery’s health and the car’s functionality.
In this article, we will explore what happens when a Tesla battery is low, how to avoid it, and how to improve the battery’s longevity.
What Happens When Driving a Tesla on a Low Battery?
When a Tesla battery is low, the car will display a warning message on the dashboard, alerting the driver to plug in as soon as possible.
The car will also reduce the power output and limit the speed to conserve energy.
If the battery level drops below 10%, the car will enter a “limp mode”, where it will only allow driving at very low speeds and disable some features such as climate control, navigation, and entertainment.
If the battery level reaches zero, the car will shut down completely and cannot be restarted until it is plugged in.
Running a Tesla battery low can have some negative consequences for the battery’s health and performance.
Drawbacks of Running a Tesla On Low Battery
Now that we have a basic understanding of Tesla batteries, let’s delve into the implications of running them low on charge:
#1. Reduced Battery Life
One of the primary concerns associated with running a Tesla battery low is the potential impact on battery longevity. Lithium-ion batteries tend to perform best when they are kept within a certain state of charge range.
Running the battery consistently at extremely low or high levels can lead to accelerated degradation over time. Tesla generally recommends keeping the battery between 20% and 80% charge for daily use.
#2. Range Anxiety
Running the battery too low can result in range anxiety, which is the fear of running out of charge before reaching your destination.
While Tesla vehicles often have impressive ranges, pushing the battery to its limits can leave you stranded if there are no charging stations nearby.
#3. Increased Charging Frequency
If you regularly run your Tesla battery low, you’ll find yourself charging more frequently. Frequent charging sessions, especially when using fast chargers, can put additional stress on the battery and potentially reduce its overall lifespan.
#4. Regenerative Braking
Tesla vehicles utilize regenerative braking to recover energy when slowing down.
When the battery is low, regenerative braking may become less effective, as there is less room in the battery to store the recovered energy.
#5. Battery Calibrations
Tesla’s Battery Management System occasionally needs to perform calibrations to accurately estimate the battery’s state of charge and capacity. Running the battery too low or too high can affect the accuracy of these calibrations.
Is It Bad To Run Tesla Battery At 20% or Low?
Running a Tesla battery below 20% is not recommended as it can stress the battery and affect its lifespan. Tesla suggests charging only up to 80-90% for daily use to maintain battery health.
However, if you are on a road trip or need more range, you can charge to 100% and use the battery until it reaches 10% or lower, as long as you don’t leave it at that level for a long time.
The Tesla battery has a built-in reserve that can help you extend your range by slowing down or driving more efficiently.
The LFP battery technology that Tesla uses in some models can be charged to 100% daily without any harm, but it is not clear if letting it drop below 20% is harmful or not.
What does Tesla recommend here?
According to Tesla, running the battery to zero can cause damage to some of the cells and reduce the capacity of the battery pack.
This means that the car will have less range and power than before. Additionally, running the battery low can also affect the car’s software and firmware, which rely on a constant power supply to function properly.
If the car shuts down due to a low battery, it may require a service visit to restore its functionality.
How to avoid running a Tesla on a low battery?
While running a Tesla battery low isn’t necessarily ideal, there are some strategies to minimize the potential negative effects:
#1. Plan Your Trips
Be mindful of your driving habits and plan your trips to ensure you have sufficient charge to reach your destination comfortably. Utilize Tesla’s navigation system, which can help you find charging stations along your route.
#2. Charge Strategically
Avoid consistently charging the battery to its maximum or letting it drain to near zero regularly. Opt for charging to around 80% for daily use and consider charging to 100% only when necessary, such as before a long trip.
#3. Use “Range Mode”
Tesla vehicles have a “Range Mode” setting that can be activated to optimize energy efficiency. This mode can help extend your range when the battery is low
How to Improve Tesla Battery Lifespan?
Tesla batteries are designed to last for hundreds of thousands of miles and retain most of their capacity over time.
However, there are some factors that can affect the battery’s longevity, such as temperature, usage, and charging habits.
Here are some tips to improve Tesla battery longevity:
#1. Avoid exposing the car to extreme temperatures
Avoid exposing the car to extreme temperatures, as this can degrade the battery faster.
Tesla recommends keeping the car in a garage or under a shade when not in use, and using the preconditioning feature to warm up or cool down the battery before driving or charging.
#2. Avoid driving aggressively
Avoid driving aggressively or using features that consume a lot of energy, such as Ludicrous Mode or Sentry Mode.
These can deplete the battery faster and generate more heat, which can harm the cells.
#3. Avoid charging or discharging the battery too fast or too often
As charging or discharging the battery too fast or too often, can also stress the cells and reduce their lifespan.
Tesla recommends using a standard 240-volt outlet or a Wall Connector for regular charging, and only using Superchargers when necessary.
Tesla also advises against letting the battery sit at 100% or 0% for too long, as this can cause imbalance or damage to the cells.
#4. Regular maintenance and software updates
Perform regular maintenance and software updates on the car, as these can help optimize the battery’s performance and efficiency.
Tesla also offers a Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty that covers any defects or malfunctions of the battery pack for up to 8 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles depending on the model.
Conclusion
Running a Tesla battery low is not recommended, as it can have negative effects on the battery’s health and performance, as well as the car’s functionality.
To avoid running a Tesla battery low, it is advisable to charge it regularly and plan ahead for long trips.
To improve Tesla battery longevity, it is advisable to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, driving aggressively, charging or discharging too fast or too often, and performing regular maintenance and software updates.
By following these tips, Tesla owners can enjoy their cars for longer and with less hassle.
