Battery Information

About the Battery

Model 3Model Y has one of the most sophisticated battery systems in the world. The most important way to preserve the Battery is to LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE PLUGGED IN when you are not using it. This is particularly important if you are not planning to drive Model 3Model Y for several weeks.

Note: When left idle and unplugged, your vehicle periodically uses energy from the Battery for system tests and recharging the 12V battery when necessary.

There is no advantage to waiting until the Battery’s level is low before charging. In fact, the Battery performs best when charged regularly.

Note: If you allow the Battery to discharge to 0%, other components may become damaged or require replacement (for example, the 12V battery). In these cases, you are responsible for repair and/or transporting expenses. Discharge-related expenses are not covered by the warranty or under the Roadside Assistance policy.

The peak charging rate of the Battery may decrease slightly after a large number of DC Fast Charging sessions, such as those at Superchargers. To ensure maximum driving range and Battery safety, the Battery charge rate is decreased when the Battery is too cold, when the Battery’s charge is nearly full, and when the Battery conditions change with usage and age. These changes in the condition of the Battery are driven by battery physics and may increase the total Supercharging duration by a few minutes over time. You can minimize the amount of charge time by using Trip Planner to warm the Battery while driving to a Supercharger. See Trip Planner for more information.

Battery Care

Never allow the Battery to fully discharge. Even when Model 3Model Y is not being driven, its Battery discharges very slowly to power the onboard electronics. The Battery can discharge at a rate of approximately 1% per day, though the discharge rate may vary depending on environmental factors (such as cold weather), vehicle configuration, and your selected settings on the touchscreen. Situations can arise in which you must leave Model 3Model Y unplugged for an extended period of time (for example, at an airport when traveling). In these situations, keep the 1% in mind to ensure that you leave the Battery with a sufficient charge level. For example, over a two week period (14 days), the Battery may discharge by approximately 14%.

Discharging the Battery to 0% may result in damage to vehicle components. To protect against a complete discharge, Model 3Model Y enters a low-power consumption mode when the displayed charge level drops to approximately 0%. In this mode, the Battery stops supporting the onboard electronics and auxiliary 12V battery. Once this low-power consumption mode is active, immediately plug in Model 3Model Y to prevent a jump-start and 12V battery replacement.

Note: If Model 3Model Y is unresponsive and does not unlock, open, or charge, the 12V battery may be discharged. In this situation, try jump starting the 12V Battery (see Instructions for Transporters for instructions on how to jump start the battery). If the vehicle is still unresponsive, contact Tesla.

Temperature Limits

For better long-term performance, avoid exposing Model 3Model Y to ambient temperatures above 140° F (60° C) or below -22° F (-30° C) for more than 24 hours at a time.

Energy Saving Feature

Model 3Model Y has an energy-saving feature that reduces the amount of energy being consumed by the displays when Model 3Model Y is not in use. On newer vehicles, this feature is automated to provide an optimal level of energy saving. However, on older vehicles, you can control the amount of energy being consumed by the displays by touching Controls > Display > Energy Saving. For more information on maximizing range and saving energy, see Getting Maximum Range.

Battery Warnings and Cautions

Warning: The Battery has no parts that an owner or a non-Tesla authorized service technician can service. Under no circumstances should you open or tamper with the Battery. Always contact Tesla to arrange for Battery servicing.
CAUTION: If the Battery’s charge level falls to 0%, you must plug it in. If you leave it unplugged for an extended period, it may not be possible to charge or use Model 3Model Y without jump starting or replacing the 12V Battery (see Instructions for Transporters for instructions on how to jump start the battery). Leaving Model 3Model Y unplugged for an extended period can also result in permanent Battery damage. If you are unable to charge Model 3Model Y after attempting to jump start the 12V Battery, contact Tesla immediately.
CAUTION: The Battery requires no owner maintenance. Do not remove the coolant filler cap and do not add fluid. If the touchscreen warns you that the fluid level is low, contact Tesla immediately.
CAUTION: Do not use the Battery as a stationary power source. Doing so voids the warranty.