Nearly one million kilometers on the odometer: the incredible longevity of this Tesla Model S
Battery life remains one of the major concerns surrounding electric vehicles. This Australian Tesla Model S 75D offers a quite remarkable example: after eight years of use, it has already covered over 600,000 miles, or nearly 966,000 kilometers. Its original battery lasted up to 666,000 kilometers before needing replacement. We’ll tell you everything!
While stereotypes about the longevity of electric vehicles and their batteries persist, some models are now achieving mileage figures that would make many conventional cars look pale in comparison. It’s no longer just about exceeding 200,000 or 300,000 kilometers — some vehicles go far, far beyond that.
In Australia, a Tesla Model S 75D has just reached 600,000 miles. That’s exactly 965,606 kilometers, or about 24 rounds around the Earth.
Over 660,000 kilometers on the original battery
This Model S belongs to Nigel Raynard, an Australian living in Byron Bay. The mileage isn’t that of an average driver—he uses his car for a limousine service in this tourist town. As a result, he has accumulated impressive mileage over the past eight years.
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But perhaps the most interesting aspect is the battery. The original pack lasted up to 666,666 kilometers before an error required its replacement under warranty. The Model S 75D then received a 90 kWh battery. Its owner still admits that at this mileage, charging became very slow with the first pack. Since then, the electric sedan has continued its journey with this second battery.
Today, just over 8 years of ownership. Six hundred thousand miles.
Changed brake pads once.
Upgraded to 90kWh pack after error at 666,666km under warranty.
New aircon, suspension arms and struts. Did front drive unit mounts and half shafts last week.
Drives like new. https://t.co/quH92FToMH
— Unique Images Australia (@UniqueImagesAus) 2026-09-25T05:54:34.000Z
Brake pads changed only once.
Obviously, covering nearly 966,000 kilometers requires regular maintenance. Over the years, the vehicle has received a new air conditioning system, new arms and suspension components, as well as new supports for the front engine and half-shafts. Nothing exceptional for a vehicle with such high mileage.
More surprisingly, Nigel Raynard claims he only replaced the brake pads once in eight years. This figure illustrates the advantages of regenerative braking in electric vehicles: much of the deceleration is handled by the electric motors, which significantly reduces the strain on mechanical brakes. That’s reassuring!
The case of this Model S alone does not allow us to draw conclusions about the lifespan of all electric vehicle batteries. But the story is interesting and it will certainly make those who are still hesitating to make the switch think twice.
