By: Otaiba Ahsan

One of the benefits of Model S ownership is that it provides the best range out of any Tesla, depending on the trim you go for. This is a big win for Tesla, as range is often the most critical factor for many prospective electric vehicle (EV) shopper. So, how far can the Tesla Model S go on a single charge? Continue reading for more.

Battery and Range

Currently, there two trims of the Model S, including the Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive as well as the Tri-Motor All-Wheel Drive. Both of these vehicles house one of the most sophisticated battery systems in the world according to Tesla. They come with a nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA) battery, also known as 18650. This means that you should charge your Model S between 80% to 90% to avoid quicker battery degradation.

So, how far can these two models go on a full charge? Tesla provides range estimates that are determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States. Here are the current EPA-provided ranges on a full charge for the Model S:

• Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive: 402 mi
• Tri-Motor All-Wheel Drive: 359 mi

NOTE: These are the ranges for the Model S before any customization. For example, if you go for a different set of wheels when ordering, the number will change.

Factors Affecting Range

While the EPA estimated ranges are excellent on paper, it’s unlikely that you’ll actually squeeze that much distance out of your car on a full charge. This is due to several factors that impact range such as:

1. HVAC Usage: The use of air conditioning or the heating system impacts range as it requires energy to operate. Be sure to precondition the vehicle prior to driving to maximize efficiency.
2. Wheel Size: The size and type of wheels on your Model S can affect range, as larger wheels and performance-oriented tires can create more drag which reduces efficiency. If you’re ordering off the Tesla site, choose the option that provides the most range if that’s your priority.
3. Driving Speed and Style: Higher speeds and aggressive driving can decrease range, as it requires more energy to maintain speed and accelerate. Consider enabling Chill Mode to steer you away from constant bursts of acceleration.
4. Temperature: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, impact battery performance and can reduce range. In cold weather, the battery may have reduced capacity and take longer to heat up, whereas in hot climates it will likely need to be cooled to maintain performance.
5. Payload: Carrying more weight in the vehicle, such as passengers or cargo, can lower the range of the car as it requires more energy to move the extra weight.

The Bottom Line

So, how far can the Tesla Model S go on a single charge? In short, the Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive has an EPA estimated range of 402 mi, whereas the Tri-Motor All-Wheel Drive comes in at 359 mi. It’s safe to budget up to 20% less than these estimates on any given day, even if you’re fully charged. This is simply because there are far too many variables that impact range, such as the ones mentioned above.