How Do Teslas Perform After 90,000 Miles?
“Although both vehicles are going to decrease in range based on many factors, electric vehicle range decreases far faster.”
Teslas are supposed to be cheaper to run than gas cars. But one long-haul owner says Supercharger rates and resale value are turning that math upside down.
In a viral TikTok clip, musician and creator D-Mode (@dmodemusic) pulls no punches on his thoughts after spending 90,000 miles behind his Tesla’s steering wheel.
“The range is not one-to-one. What I mean is [internal combustion engine] vehicles' range and electric vehicle range is not the same,” he shares at the start. “Although both vehicles are going to decrease in range based on many factors, electric vehicle range decreases far faster.”
Range Realities: EV vs. Gas
The first red flag D-Mode raises is the way the electric range behaves in the real world. While EVs and gas-powered vehicles both lose range under certain conditions, he argues the effect is far more dramatic with a Tesla. It’s a point that resonates with experienced EV drivers and is backed by research.
Cold weather can reduce an EV’s range by up to 50% when using the heater. Even in milder climates, variables like speed, elevation, and HVAC use can impact real-world range, making the EPA-estimated figures more of a best-case scenario than a reliable benchmark.
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Some of the discrepancy comes down to how EVs use energy. Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, which have mechanical inefficiencies but don’t use much fuel when idling, EVs expend meaningful battery power when stationary with the air conditioning or heat running. And while EVs are more efficient at low speeds, that flips at high-speed highway driving, where drag becomes a significant factor and regenerative braking offers little help.
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Data from Recurrent Auto shows that most Tesla models do reasonably well in terms of predicted range accuracy. Still, the difference between EPA-rated range and real-world conditions remains a key source of confusion and frustration for some owners. D-Mode’s critique reflects a common EV learning curve that continues to catch first-time buyers off guard.
Supercharging Isn’t Always a Super Deal
Another surprise for D-Mode as a high-mileage Tesla owner is how much it costs to charge, especially away from home. While early EV adopters often touted low fuel costs as a key perk, D-Mode argues that frequent Supercharger use can make Tesla ownership more expensive than many assume.
Supercharger rates vary by location, time of day, and local electricity costs, but in many parts of the U.S., pricing hovers around $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh. For a full charge on a Model 3 Long Range with a roughly 75-kWh battery, that means paying anywhere from $18 to $37, which is not far off from fueling a small gas sedan.
By contrast, home charging costs are often significantly lower. The average residential electricity rate in the United States is around $0.16 per kWh, meaning a full charge at home could cost just $12. That’s where the cost savings stack up, but only for those with access to overnight charging infrastructure.
Drivers who rely heavily on public charging, especially in cities or for long-distance travel, often find themselves rethinking the total cost equation. A 2023 analysis by Anderson Economic Group found that in some scenarios, EVs were more expensive to fuel than comparable ICE vehicles, particularly when using premium fast-charging networks.
D-Mode’s take may sound harsh, but it echoes growing concerns among urban apartment dwellers and rideshare drivers who lack the convenience of affordable home charging.
He also flags the car’s resale value, saying, “Teslas depreciate a lot faster than most manufacturers.” It’s a claim that sparks debate, given Tesla’s past reputation for outperforming other brands in resale metrics.
In 2021, iSeeCars ranked the Model 3 as the vehicle that depreciated least over five years. However, more recent data tells a different story. In early 2024, Tesla’s aggressive new car price cuts and inventory surpluses triggered a sharp drop in used values across the board. Some lightly used Teslas lost up to 30% of their value in a matter of months, according to CarEdge.
For owners like D-Mode, who racked up high mileage while Tesla’s pricing strategy shifted, that means a steeper hit. According to TopSpeed, the average transaction price for a used Model 3 dropped significantly in 2023 and early 2024, with resale values still stabilizing in 2025.
While depreciation affects all vehicles, Tesla’s rapid iteration and changing pricing models make resale forecasting unusually difficult. For prospective buyers, it’s another reminder that EV economics are still in flux, especially in a fast-evolving brand ecosystem.
InsideEVs reached out to D-Mode via instant message.
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