If you are on the EV bandwagon, one of your go-to options is, likely, from the Tesla lineup. The American company pioneered modern-day EVs thus making its mark in the automotive industry. Tesla continues to sell strong and the company plans to ramp up production in 2025. But what about a used Tesla EV? This is becoming an increasingly popular car purchase option in recent years, and not just in the US. Battery degradation is one of the most prevalent issues when buying a used EV. This isn't a new issue. Your laptop and smartphone have a similar, Lithium-ion battery that degrades with time. I've seen it on my old laptop and you probably have too. So, how new does a used EV need to be, to be considered as a viable purchase? One member of the Tesla Motor Club may have given us a hint as he recently acquired a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Here's what he says: “Adding data. My 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (~ Oct pickup) shows 271 miles @ 100% now (from 310 new) as of Jan 2025. It's enough degradation I'm starting to feel the shorter range on road trips, even with efficient tires (Hankook Ion EVO). The car has 84,000 miles. As of Dec 2021, it would show 285 miles @ 100%, when the car had 39K miles. (I usually charge to 70-80%, and then 90 or 100 for road trips only). (New Model Y is looking really good...)” Comparing statistics on FuelEconomy.gov, I see that the 2018 Telsa Model 3, indeed, has 310 miles of EPA range. Judging by the owner's 271-mile range at full charge, it seems the Tesla Model 3 Long Range has lost roughly 13 percent of its battery capacity, over a seven to eight-year period. To put things in perspective, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range has a 260-mile range on a fully-charged battery (when new). What are you getting with the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range? Being a 2018, this is a dual-motor Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Those feature a 75-kWh battery. You still get a decent amount of performance with the single-motor variant as 0 to 60 mph happens in 4.4 seconds while the top speed is 144 mph. Is there a point where used EVs become unsellable? The battery pack in EVs should, typically, last 10 to 20 years. Judging from the number of troublesome cars, service recalls, and the rate of battery degradation in some models, 10 years seems to be more accurate. This member's 2018 Tesla Model 3 is seeing battery degradation that has led to roughly 13 percent loss of range.