The Highest-Mileage Tesla In The World In 2024

Tesla has always been one of the better brands for electric mileage and overall quality. Most drivers see their Teslas make it well beyond the 100,000-mile marker, although you’d be surprised how far these can truly travel. There have been impressive write-ups on owners boasting 500,000+ miles in as little as a few years of ownership, although this Model S owner puts even those stories to shame.

It all started with a man named Hansjörg von Gemmingen-Hornberg, who drove his Tesla Model S between multiple countries, near and far, eventually making it well beyond the MILLION-mile mark on his Tesla’s odometer. Most people average ~10,000-15,000 miles per year, so to accomplish this with a fairly new EV is incredible. Not only that, but EVs are so new to the majority of drivers, so these types of numbers prove there is a growing amount of awareness of electric capability.

That’s not even considering during his time on the road, Hansjörg von Gemmingen-Hornberg didn’t create a single emission. This could be another type of story had the driver owned a hybrid or non-hybrid model, but thanks to the power and range of Model S, he saw the world through his Tesla without disturbing it. That’s an accomplishment in itself. We’ll dive into just how much this Tesla owner *actually* drove below, so stick with us!

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Tesla and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and Watt Energy (YouTube).

How One Tesla Model S Owner Made It 1,181,268 Miles

When Hansjörg von Gemmingen-Hornberg purchased his Tesla Model S in 2014, he would never know what the next decade of electric driving would look like. Although he purchased his electric sedan with 18,641 miles, this would soon be a drop in the bucket of his total mileage. Hornberg had decided to start a multi-year road trip, visiting countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Because of his Tesla Model S and its high-performance specs, this owner was able to make it across the globe in style, as well as explore many roads less traveled. EV battery anxiety is always a thing for Tesla owners, although Hornberg doesn’t seem to mind the 265.

This Record Is Thanks To A Model S P85

It’s worth noting that Hansjörg von Gemmingen-Hornberg​​​​​ bought a Tesla Model S P85 back in 2014, pre-owned, and its range falls at 265 miles per full charge. With 88 MPGe in the city and 90 on the highway, this Tesla was known to be one of the more battery-efficient of the lineup. Even when 2014 rang in, and this model had not yet become the household name it is now, Model S (more specifically, the P85) was a knight in shining armor for Hornnerg. Many years and millions of miles later, this Tesla is still kicking and telling its tale.

Tesla Model S P85 Specs

(Table specs sourced from Tesla and Truecar)

It’s also worth noting that the 2014 edition of Model S goes for a decent second-hand price, so you don’t have to go with a new release to get many, many, many miles. This sedan is luxurious and offers plenty of great driving features, so regardless, you’re stepping into a great model with proven reliability.

This Gentleman’s Model S Saw Multiple Continents And Countries

Not only did Hansjörg von Gemmingen-Hornberg get the most out of his Model S in Europe (where he is from), but he also made it to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. This is not only great PR from a potential customer standpoint but also goes to show that through the years, electric infrastructure has grown to be more accessible throughout the world. We know Asia and Europe are up to speed, but seeing Hornberg make it through countries like Morocco is a great push in the right direction for electric mobility as a whole. Nearly 1.2 million miles later, the Tesla Model S is still finding new ways to stay busy.

The Model S, Although Not As Popular As Model 3 Or Y, Is A Winner

If there’s one thing that the P85 has shown us, it is that the Model S is a great sedan for long-distance and long periods of ownership and driving. Even with the 2014 edition going 265 miles per full charge, this was still impressive for that era, far before you saw as much competition and ability within the EV realm. Now, you have Tesla’s going 300+ miles with no issue at the standard level and close to 400 with long-range batteries. Ah, how times have changed.

It Took Several Battery Replacements To Reach 1.2 Million Miles

Something worth knowing about this incredible Model S and its odometer hitting well beyond a million is that the owner has mentioned getting the battery replaced three times, plus 13 motor swap outs. Of course, in perspective, even that small of a number for battery servicing goes to show this vehicle has been engineered for the long haul.

Doing the math, you could say this Model S saw 393,756 miles before needing a new battery and roughly 90,867 miles between motor replacements. That itself is pretty spectacular: 2014 especially. We’re not talking about a spring chicken here. This baby is ten years old!

The Average EV Needs A New Battery Every 10 Years

Although this battery lifespan depends on the driver and conditions of everyday mobility, most electric models need a new battery after 150,000-200,000 miles. Therefore, this Model S only needs a new battery put in per ~400,000 miles is AWESOME news for those not wanting to service their car as frequently as other electric and non-EV brands. Tesla uses high-quality, 85 kWh lithium-ion batteries for this generation of S, and even to this day, drivers can’t get enough of them.

Most EVs see at least 100,000 miles without failing, even reaching 15-year ownership without battery replacements. Compared to ICE vehicles, which have an average life expectancy of ~12 years, that makes electric powertrains longer lasting before major repairs and swap outs.

Hansjörg Owns Yet Another Tesla Model He Loves To Drive

On top of the now iconic Model S Hansjörg owns, he also boasts a first-generation Roadster with around 456,700 miles on the clock. There’s clearly something about him and Teslas. After all, cars are meant to be driven, so it’s great to see someone go the distance (literally) with their EV. As of 2024, this remains the Tesla with the most mileage EVER, so that calls for some type of shout-out from Elon and the gang. Maybe a free Model S for another million-plus miles?

Tesla Outperforms The Competition In Lifespan And Driving Quality

Even though Tesla has had its fair share of troubles and competition becoming steeper, that shouldn’t discount what the brand has been able to accomplish in terms of overall reliability and ingenuity for customers. The Model S has not ever kicked off like the Model 3 or Y have, but that’s not to discount its prowess.

This story of a Model S from a decade ago making ~1.2 million miles is one we hope is replicated in the coming years, especially as we begin to see Teslas from more modern releases hit these milestones. At battery number four, we can only hope that Hansjörg von Gemmingen-Hornberg sees two million miles recorded in his favorite Tesla.