This Is The Highest Mileage Electric Car In The World

Late last year, a German citizen by the name of Hansjörg von Gemmingen-Hornberg managed to hit the one millionth mile in his red 2014 Tesla Model S. This is a figure that no other Tesla Owner on record has come even close to covering. Von Gemmingen-Hornberg’s previous feat was clearing 400,000 miles in his first Tesla, which was an original Roadster. The German owner admits that he had to conduct a significant level of maintenance to keep the Model S going, but overall, the premium electric sedan managed to perform pretty well.

Von Gemmingen-Hornberg detailed how he surpassed the million-mile mark in 2019, and since then, has cleared about 180,000 more miles on a video with Watt Energy. This feat led to Elon Musk personally congratulating him on social media platforms. The EV adventurer was kind enough to share his story with the world, including repairs he had to conduct and advice about how to keep your Model S in good shape.

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 websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and the Federal Highway Administration.

Tesla Model S, The Million-Mile EV

The car in question is a 2014 Tesla Model S P85, which was the performance variant featuring a single rear motor generating 373 horsepower and boasting an EPA-estimated 265-mile range figure. These are impressive performance claims for a new electric car, let alone a 10-year-old EV. He purchased the car as a used model with 18,641 on the clock. The P85 is a flagship model, so it is loaded with some impressive standard comfort, convenience, and entertainment features.

The P85 comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, and electronically folding and heated side mirrors. Revolutionary features at the time included retractable door handles, a 17-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rear-facing camera, 12-way electronically adjustable and heated front seats with memory functions, and a 200-Watt seven-speaker audio system with HD radio and two USB ports.

How To Get One Million Miles

Von Gemmingen-Hornberg had to execute some monumental repairs to keep the Model S P85 on the road for over one million miles. During this time, he has replaced the rear motor 13 times. Experts suggest the rear motor alone can cost up to $11,750, before the cost of labor, which is also substantial.

Von Gemmingen-Hornberg clarifies that most of these motors were refurbished units. This resulted in so many replacements because he argued the Tesla engineers didn’t know how to correctly fix the motors, resulting in very short lifespans. He also says that Tesla covered some motors thanks to the substantial standard warranty. Von Gemmingen-Hornberg also divulges that the P85 is on its fourth battery pack.

What Makes The Tesla Model S Unstoppable

Tesla’s reputation regarding reliability isn’t the strongest, especially in regard to its earlier products. Von Gemmingen-Hornberg says that he used the Model S consistently with almost no intervals, meaning he subjected the motors and battery to constant wear. He also keeps the battery between 20 and 80 percent charge, which has proven to lengthen lithium-ion packs.

Tesla Model S P85 Performance Specifications

(Specifications sourced from Tesla)

He doesn’t dive into other worn parts, such as brakes and tires, but he makes it clear that the interior quality has been phenomenal, which is quite unlike what we’ve seen from some other Model S units.

The Million-Mile Synchronous Electric Motors

As mentioned, the Tesla in question is on its 14th electric motor, meaning that on average each motor around 78,500 miles. Generally speaking, electric motors are more resilient than internal combustion engines, but in this case, it’s clear that Tesla’s early EV configuration struggled with non-stop usage. Von Gemmingen-Hornberg says that he has taken the P85 across Africa, Morocco, Sweden, Austria, and China, likely over varying terrains and through some of the most intense climates.

Tesla Model S P85 Range and Charging Times

(Specifications sourced from Tesla and the EPA)

The AC synchronous motor is the simplest electric motor currently in production and is renowned for its performance capabilities and compact proportions. These motors work using magnets that match the motor’s rotational speed using a stator. This magnetic field produces torque to spin the wheels. This modulates speed via the the battery pack’s alternating current. AC motors are renowned for their high power density and efficiency. As a result, manufacturers consider them as the optimal choice for electric cars if you’re trying to maximize space and energy conservation. Permanent magnet motors eliminate the need for brushes, reducing wear and tear and maintenance needs, adding to the motor’s longevity and reliability.

What Makes Tesla’s Motors So Strong

As noted, Von Gemmingen-Hornberg clarifies that the P85 would not have needed so many electric motor replacements if the engineers at the time conducted the job properly. Generally speaking, early Tesla motors enjoy a lifespan beyond 10 years, but this is under normal driving circumstances. The 2014 Model S came with the same warranty package as the current 2024 models. This includes the eight-year or 150,000-mile coverage for the car’s battery and electric drive system.

Tesla Model S P85 Exterior Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions

(Specifications sourced from Tesla)

This reliability and confidence comes from Tesla’s expansive electric motor research and development. The brand has also stuck to proven electric motor technologies rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. As for the 2014 model year, this particular year struggled with overall reliability, including battery pack cooling issues, wheel alignment problems, and body panel inconsistencies, but the motor itself proved to be a resilient part.

Will Other Tesla Model S Models Manage This Feat?

Very few Tesla Model S owners will be able to cover the same distance that Von Gemmingen-Hornberg has achieved in such a short time. The Federal Highway Administration reveals that the average American driver covers about 13,500 miles a year. Using this, it would take you just over 81 years of driving to cover the same distance that Von Gemmingen-Hornberg has in his Model S. The only way another Model S will cover this mileage is if another owner announces that they will be embarking on the same expedition across the world.

• The Tesla Model S P85 RWD is famous for its powerful performance, featuring an 85 kWh battery pack and a single rear-mounted electric motor.
• With its rear-wheel-drive configuration, the P85 offers precise handling and impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 MPH in just over 4 seconds.
• The Model S P85 boasts an EPA-estimated range of approximately 265 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for both daily commuting and long-distance journeys.
• Its sleek and aerodynamic design contributes to its efficiency, allowing it to maximize range while minimizing energy consumption.
• The Model S P85’s interior features a minimalist design, premium materials, and a large touchscreen display for infotainment and vehicle controls.
• As one of the early iterations of the Model S lineup, the P85 plays a significant role in establishing Tesla’s reputation for producing high-performance electric vehicles that rival traditional luxury cars in both performance and sophistication.

Considering Tesla’s charging infrastructure doesn’t extend across the world, you will be limited to 240-volt charging speeds, which can result in frustratingly long waiting times in between stops. Considering the Model S P85’s EPA-estimated 265-mile range figure, you’ll have to subject it to around 4,151 charging sessions to keep it on the go. Tesla claims that the P85 recovers 22 miles of range every hour via a Level Two system, meaning you’ll spend around 50,000 hours waiting for the battery to recharge.