Game Changer: Tesla Wants To Upgrade Powertrains To Last 1,000,000 Miles

That would be something... if that feature was financially inconsequential for the consumer.

Consumers like to know "my car could last a million miles," but if you ask them to pay a pile of money for that option, then that'll be a hard sell.

Considering about 60% of Tesla Model S's drivetrains failed before 60,000 miles (Tesla replaced them under warranty), I'd say Tesla is wise to focus on increased longevity in this area. FWIW, the article calls the million mile Tesla powertrain an "ambitious goal."

Those were only the 2012/2013 motors, all of the current powertrains have a mtbf of around 250k miles (including all the ones that were replaced early on).

I mentioned the million mile target for the Model 3 motor a long time ago, this isn't exactly new "news." It was mentioned on a conference call early this year. The Model S/X also have a new rear wheel motor based on the same tech in the Model 3, which was one of the hardware improvements enabling the improved performance on the low/mid range S/X.

SanJoseDriver wrote "...all of the current powertrains have a mtbf of around 250k miles..."

I can't imaging an ICE manufacturer bragging that their engines fail at around 250K miles, but for Tesla, that's an improvement. It's all a matter of perspective, I suppose.

I don't think you understand Bob, the 1 million mile MTBF powertrain is what they are manufacturing right now with the 3 and purportedly the new S/X rear-wheel motor. It probably will not hit a million right away but that is the goal. Even if it makes it to 500,000, that is going to be much better than an ICE.

Also remember the Model 3 is designed for an autonomous car-sharing future... it has to last many more miles.

Tesla owners don't want to go a million miles. They are much more likely to trade up often.

Probably not, but many will be "leasing" out their cars when not in use. A shared Tesla in an urban area I'm sure could rack up 100k miles/year. Also high-mileage cars might make great "cheap" used options to help get Tesla's the the hands of people with more modest budgets.

The simplified design means there are not many parts to replace with wear/tear over time. Perhaps the seats and the screen. Even the steering wheel will last a very long time when autonomous features are released.

Crown Vics lasted 1M plus with 4.6L V8 as evidenced by many a Taxi car. How well the chassis and other componentry lasts is another issue.

Actually, a Crown Vic is pretty bulletproof all over.

1M is fairly common for semi tractors, so this boast isn't unrealistic. What paint and interior would look like, though, is another matter.

I wonder if such a long lasting vehicle will help sales or hurt sales.

There is a lightbulb in Livermore CA that has been burning since 1901 (116 years)! But of course the company that made it (Shelby Electric) went out of business because no one ever needed to buy a replacement.

It is amazing if it includes the inverter and motor electronics. What if you could buy a new or refurbished body and/or interior. I imagine daily driver could last 40+ years. Just need to know what the battery life and costs will be.

A challenge to the industry is software updates beyond the model production.