Tesla has built a brand by making long-range electric vehicles (EVs) on the cutting edge of the automotive industry. The Tesla Model S, for instance, is turning out to be an engineering masterpiece and an epic car built for going the distance.
Out of the owners, Hansjörg von Gemmingen-Hornberg has discovered a trick that can make the Model S last more than 1.2 million miles, clearly indicating how long electric cars can last. Well, what, then, is the magic formula to achieving this great achievement? Well, it is one part good driving, one part timely maintenance, and one part luck.
How Hansjörg von Gemmingen-Hornberg made his Tesla Model S last for over 1 million miles
Hansjörg von Gemmingen-Hornberg’s 2014 Tesla Model S P85 is a perfect example of how an electric vehicle behaves after several years of usage. Before that, Hansjörg owned a Tesla Roadster, which he drove to 400,000 miles; he then bought a Model S in 2014 and opted for a used car with only 18,641 miles on the clock.
Today, his Model S has travelled more than 1,240,000 miles, and the owner still has more mileage to cover. But how did he manage this feat? The first secret of his success is that he gives a lot of thought to driving. Hansjörg does not advocate long drives, always driving a maximum of 100 kilometres on the road.
This practice not only helps the car but also helps to prevent the complete discharge of the battery, which puts an unnecessary load on the system. What a car, though! The Model S is a powerhouse; however, no vehicle is without its issues.
Why regular breaks and smart driving are key to increasing the lifespan of your Tesla
First Model S cars had problems with rear motors, and Hansjörg’s car was not an exception to the rule. The rear motor of the car has had a replacement thirteen times in its life cycle, of which some of the units were refurbished. It was not always a clean process, with some motors getting worn out before the time for replacement arrived. Nevertheless, the Model S has proved highly survivable.
The car has had four battery packs by the time it reaches 1.2 million miles, and a battery pack lasts for about 300,000 miles. It is a testament to the vehicle’s design and how well it can and will last properly, with good driving and timely servicing.
Takeaways: How proper maintenance can make your Tesla last a lifetime
Another reason for Model S’s durability is Hansjörg’s driving behavior. He uses a break to avoid covering long distances by driving; for instance, he covers approximately 100 kilometres on the road.
It also prevents how the car’s battery is drained and how the motor and other parts of the car are overheated, which is very dangerous to the life of any car. Unlike gas-powered cars, electric cars, such as the Tesla Model S, avoid the problem of constantly driving since this puts pressure on the battery and motor since they can overheat.
Hansjörg also does not discharge the battery to its complete end, and he prefers to charge when the battery indicator shows 20 percent. This can also go a long way towards preserving the longevity of the battery – or avoid subjecting the battery to deep discharge that can be fatal.
That is even more impressive given that Hansjörg’s journey is not confined to short local excursions. He has driven his Model S for trips worldwide, including Morocco, China, Sweden, and Austria.
His experience proves that EVs are ready for the future as the world becomes one big interconnected market. Besides, this underlines the global increase of charging facilities and strengthens the idea that electric vehicles can be used for high-mileage trips provided necessary preparation and regular maintenance are conducted.
With Hansjörg now going for more road trips in his Model S, his car shows that with proper maintenance, an electric vehicle can last a lifetime, dispensing with prejudices over the lifespan of EVs.
Longevity with careful maintenance: Key tips from Hansjörg’s Tesla experience
Hansjörg’s Tesla Model S has important tips for any owner of an electric vehicle. First, timely checking and fixing any problem that may arise from considering motor or battery replacements means that the scooter needs to be frequently checked.
Second, smart driving practices such as avoiding long journeys, deploying breaks, and recharging at the right time significantly boost the lifespan of a vehicle. And lastly, monitoring other factors, such as the charging infrastructure of the vehicle, means that the car remains able to run.
Having seen more electric cars clocking impressive mileage, Hansjörg’s Model S is a strong statement of the future of long-lasting electric transport. A few add-ons that are well done transform the Tesla Model S into something more than a mere possession; it becomes a bet on the future of transport.
