Tesla Model S Achieves Astounding 1.2 Million Miles – Breaking Records and Dispelling Myths

There’s a new high-mileage beast to talk about: a remarkable Tesla Model S that stands out from the crowd—a 2014 Model S P85 with an astonishing 1.2 million miles on its odometer. This achievement challenges common skepticism about the durability of electric cars, proving that they can indeed cover substantial distances annually, especially with the right owner and charging infrastructure in place.

Key Takeaways:

• A 2014 Tesla Model S P85 has surpassed 1.2 million miles on its odometer, averaging around 131,000 miles per year.
• Despite facing recurring motor issues, with fourteen rear motor replacements over its lifespan, the vehicle’s battery pack performed admirably.
• The owner’s careful approach, regular breaks, and battery management practices contributed to the vehicle’s long life.

In 2019, Elon Musk congratulated Hansjörg von Gemmingen-Hornberg, the owner of this Model S, when it reached one million kilometers (equivalent to 621,371 miles) on its odometer. Fast forward to the present, and the mileage has essentially doubled.

However, what truly stands out is the owner’s patience in dealing with the frequent motor replacements his car required. Early Tesla Model S EVs, including this one, faced recurring issues with their rear motors, leading to a total of fourteen replacements over approximately 1.2 million miles. Most of these motors were refurbished, and Tesla struggled to identify the underlying problem, resulting in varying degrees of success and warranty coverage.

While the vehicle’s battery pack performed relatively well, enduring three replacements over its lifespan, the average pack lasted an impressive 400,000 miles and continues to do so.

Gemmingen-Hornberg covers only about 62 miles at a time, taking breaks in between. When it comes to battery management, he recharges when it reaches 20 percent, avoiding both full depletion and overcharging.

As for the car’s exterior and interior, they’ve held up remarkably well.

Intriguingly, Gemmingen-Hornberg’s passion for exploration has fueled his high-mileage journey. The Model S has ventured to various destinations, including Africa, Morocco, Sweden, Austria, and China. And this is just the beginning. The owner plans to continue driving the Model S, even sacrificing his Lucid Air reservation to allow the Model S to accumulate even more miles.

But there’s more to the story. Before his Model S journey, Gemmingen-Hornberg was the proud owner of a Tesla Roadster, racking up an impressive 400,000 miles despite limited charging infrastructure at the time. He eventually moved to the Model S for more space and comfort, choosing a used 2014 model with a starting mileage of 18,641 miles.