Going the distance in a Tesla Model 3: 120,000kms in two years

Dwayne Eddie reported on Facebook that his Tesla Model 3 has reached the milestone of 120,000kms travelled. Wayne has done a lot of driving in the last 2 years. While I acknowledge that there are Tesla Model 3 SR+ in the United States that have done more kilometres, Australia has its own unique challenges.

Dwayne has used 16,782kWh and paid 15c/kWh for a total cost of just $2,517.30. Now, when I was driving my Sonata that distance it would have cost me $21,600 at current petrol prices.

Some of his respondents pointed out that the cost of electricity would have been even less on some tariffs, and of course close to zero on solar. It won’t be long before this car pays for its self on fuel savings alone.

What about servicing? Nathan Merritt, who drives a Model 3 as an Uber, asked about brakes. “They’re fine and so is the brake fluid – got it checked at Tesla Gold Coast today. They said it’s perfectly normal and to check it again in another 2 years’ time.

“I spent $24 at Tesla today getting the brake fluid tested. I have 2 bottles of windscreen washer additive. I’ve got new wiper blades but haven’t put them on as they don’t need charging yet. Oh, and I also spent $30 on air conditioning cabin filters.”

Over 120,000km an ICE car would have had 8 services, costing approximately $1,000.

What about the dreaded ogre of battery degradation? It appears that he may have experienced a 7% degradation, but his Tesla still says he has 340km of range (normal, for this model of car). He does 95% AC charging at home. Most of his DC charging is using the 50kw Queensland Government (QESH) or NRMA ones. He rarely uses Tesla superchargers.

He had his first set of tyres replaced at 70,000km and he’s still on his second set.

My Tess (also a Model 3 SR+) is only a little over 60,000kms traveled, but my experience matches that of Dwayne. Yes, the Model 3 can go the distance. Would love to hear from other EV drivers what their experiences are. Feel free to comment below.