Frequently Asked Questions
Batteries, Charging, and Range
While it is possible to charge to 100%, it is not a great idea to do so regularly unless it’s absolutely necessary. Keeping the battery at 100% will speed up battery degradation which will decrease range over time. Additionally, charging slows down as you approach 100%, so charge times will take longer. Whenever possible, it’s a better idea to make more charging stops on a road trip to reduce the overall time spent charging (because the average charge rate will be higher).
Tesla does recommend charging vehicles with LFP batteries such as the Model 3 RWD to 100% at least once per week when possible. This is because the battery management system (BMS) is not able to properly calibrate when the LFP battery is not at or close to 100%. This does not mean that there is no added degradation from charging to 100%.
- Tesla Model 3 & Model Y - 44 miles
- Ford Mustang Mach E - 28 miles
- Chevy Bolt - 26 miles
- Nissan Leaf - 25 miles
- Tesla Model 3 & Model Y - 28 minutes
- Ford Mustang Mach E - 48 minutes
- Chevrolet Bolt - 60 minutes
- Nissan Leaf - 40-60 minutes
- Volkswagen ID.4 - 28 minutes
- Porsche Taycan - 23 minutes
- Tesla Model 3 -358 miles
- Tesla Model Y - 330 miles
- Tesla Model S - 405 miles
- Tesla Model X - 351 miles
- Ford Mustang Mach E - 314 miles
- Chevrolet Bolt - 259 miles
- Nissan Leaf - 226 miles
- Volkswagen ID.4 - 280 miles
- Porsche Taycan - 212 miles
- Lucid Air - 520 miles
If there is a power outage and you don't have a backup power source (generator, backup battery, etc.), you won't be able to charge... but you also won't be able to pump gas without power. As with any vehicle, planning ahead is key. If a major storm is likely, simply make sure your EV is charged before a potential outage - the same way you would fill up with gas before a storm. With an EV or ICE vehicle you may need to travel to be able to charge/fill up.
Safety
Driving, Handling, and Performance
Maintenance, Costs, and Practicality
No, EVs are not more likely to get stranded in traffic jams. Electric vehicles use very little energy when they aren't moving. They are also much more efficient than ICE vehicles. EVs don't run their motors while stationary. Ice vehicles must keep their engines running to power heating and cooling systems.
There are federal credits available for the purchase of EVs. Depending on where you live there may also be state and/or local credits. There are also incentives for EV charging equipment.
For information on the federal incentives visit our article on electric vehicle tax credits.