Battery Information

About the Battery

Model 3 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 3 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 on page 140 for more information.

Battery Care

Never allow the Battery to fully discharge. Even when Model 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 to prevent a jumpstart and 12V battery replacement.

NOTE: If Model 3 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 on page 200 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 3 to ambient temperatures above 60° C or below -30° C for more than 24 hours at a time.

Energy Saving Feature

Model 3 has an energy-saving feature that reduces the amount of energy being consumed by the displays when Model 3 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 on page 70.

Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries

Certain Standard Range Plus vehicles are equipped with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Battery. To determine if your vehicle has an LFP Battery, open the charging screen on your touchscreen and then touch Set Limit or open the Charging screen in your mobile app and drag the slider.

• If the image of the Battery displays "50%" and "100%" then your vehicle is equipped with an LFP Battery. • If the image of the Battery displays "Daily" and "Trip" then your vehicle is NOT equipped with an LFP

Battery. Disregard this section.

If your vehicle is equipped with an LFP Battery, Tesla recommends that you keep your charge limit to 100%, even for daily use, and that you also fully charge your vehicle to 100% at least once per week. If your vehicle has been parked for longer than a week, Tesla recommends driving your vehicle as you normally would and charge to 100% at your earliest convenience.

In addition, Tesla recommends that you allow your vehicle to "sleep" regularly by parking it with Sentry Mode disabled when possible. Consider using the Exclude Home, Exclude Work, and Exclude Favorites settings to prevent Sentry Mode from automatically activating at locations it is not needed. See LocationBased Settings on page 150.

Following the above guidance maximizes available range and improves the vehicle's ability to accurately determine the state of charge and range estimates.

NOTE:

Although Tesla recommends charging to 100% at least once per week, remember that regenerative braking is reduced while driving with a fully charged battery. See Regenerative Braking on page 62.

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 3 without jump starting or replacing the 12V Battery (see Instructions for Transporters on page 200 for instructions on how to jump start the battery). Leaving Model 3 unplugged for an extended period can also result in permanent Battery damage. If you are unable to charge Model 3 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.