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Significant Range Drop on My 2017 Model S 75D - Is This Normal?

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Ashley M. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:29 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Tesla Model S 75D

Hey everyone, I've had my 2017 Model S 75D for a few years now, and I'm starting to get concerned about the range. When I first got it, I could easily hit around 230-240 miles on a full charge, but now it struggles to show even 200 miles at 100%. I know battery degradation is a thing, but this feels like a pretty significant drop for a car with only about 70,000 miles.

I mostly Supercharge, but I try not to charge to 100% all the time, usually 80-90%. I've also noticed my estimated range fluctuates quite a bit more than it used to. Is this typical for a 2017 Model S, or should I be looking into a service appointment? Any tips on how to check battery health more accurately?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:29 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

  1. Normal Degradation: Battery degradation is a natural process for all lithium-ion batteries, including those in Teslas. A 10-15% range reduction over 5-7 years and 70,000 miles is not uncommon. Tesla batteries are designed for longevity, but capacity will decrease over time.
  2. Software Updates: Tesla frequently updates its battery management software. Sometimes, these updates can recalibrate the estimated range, making it appear lower but potentially more accurate based on current battery health.
  3. Driving Habits & Environment: Factors like aggressive driving, frequent high-speed travel, extreme temperatures (hot or cold), and consistent charging to 100% (especially with Supercharging) can accelerate degradation.
  4. "Phantom Drain": Ensure there isn't excessive "phantom drain" when the car is parked. Features like Sentry Mode, Cabin Overheat Protection, and preconditioning can consume significant energy.
  5. Recalibration: Occasionally, the Battery Management System (BMS) can benefit from recalibration. This is often achieved by charging to 100% and driving until the battery is very low (below 10-20%) before recharging to 100% again. This helps the BMS get a more accurate reading of the battery's true capacity. Do this sparingly, as frequent deep discharges are not ideal for battery health.
  6. When to See a Shop:
    • If the range drop is sudden and drastic (e.g., more than 20% in a short period).
    • If you experience consistent error messages related to the battery or charging.
    • If the car struggles to hold a charge or exhibits unusual charging behavior.
    • While there isn't a standard OBD-II code for battery degradation, Tesla's internal diagnostics can provide a detailed battery health report. A service center can run these diagnostics to confirm the battery's state of health (SOH).
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