A 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus has covered 380,000 miles (610,000 km) on its original NCA battery pack, a real-world data point on Tesla longevity rather than a manufacturer test. The pack now displays 158 miles of range against the original 240-mile EPA figure — a 34.2% capacity loss — but the car still meets its dynamic specs and remains usable as a daily driver.

A recent study from Jeff Dahn's lab at Dalhousie University shows that cycling LFP batteries near the top of charge (75–100%) causes the most degradation, while lower operating windows preserve capacity. Here are four practical rules — backed by science — for getting the most life out of your LFP-equipped EV.

Dr. Jeff Dahn — the Dalhousie battery scientist whose lab has partnered with Tesla since 2016 — recommends three practical rules for extending NMC battery life: keep long-term storage around 30% in heat, plug in after every trip, and charge to 75% daily. Engineering Explained breaks down the chemistry behind each rule.