2026 Tesla Model S Data Assessment
Automated assessment, not a hands-on review. Reliability proxies do not predict breakdowns; running economics excludes purchase price and depreciation.
What these numbers mean for this model
This assessment uses the 2026 Tesla Model S (Automatic (A1)) specification row: 410 miles rated range, 3.90 mi/kWh, and 95 kWh usable battery. It does not average every trim or model year. Its efficiency score is 92/100 within Sedan peers. Changing the available peer set can change its relative score.
Fuel comparison: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E350), 27 MPG, in the same Sedan body class. Modeled annual fuel savings are $1,029; negative means the gas rival is cheaper to fuel. This is not an exact trim or purchase-price match. Local rates and charging habits can change the result; use the ownership calculator before making a purchase decision.
Evidence gaps
- Recall records span available model-family records, not verified fleet exposure or complete year coverage. Check your VIN separately; zero stored recalls does not mean none exist.
- A model-specific curated issue checklist is available; issue counts are not prevalence or failure rates.
- Battery estimate: 1.6% per year, based on a model-level curve in our dataset, not a test of this car. The underlying curve is not independently verified here.
- Charging speed is modeled from peak power; weather, battery temperature, and the charging curve can produce a different result.
What drives the score
Reliability proxies — 60/100
20 campaigns across 6 model years with records. Coverage and fleet exposure are unverified, so this metric is neutral (60), not a breakdown-rate estimate. Zero records does not establish reliability.
Weighted from our hand-curated known-issues database for this model.
Model-level curve from our dataset; an estimate, not a test of this specific car.
Efficiency — 92/100
Miles per kWh vs other sedans. Drives every cost figure on this site.
Rated combined range. Expect 20-30% less in freezing weather.
Modeled from peak 250 kW using a 72% taper assumption; not a measured charging test.
Economics — 82/100
Scenario assumptions: 80% home at 17¢/kWh, 20% public DC at 48¢/kWh; not live rates.
Against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E350) (27 MPG) at $3.92/gal, 12,000 mi/yr.
Illustrative lost capacity × $132/kWh. Not a repair bill, replacement quote, resale loss, or probability of failure.
Cost of 100 miles bought entirely at public DC fast chargers.
Ownership numbers at a glance
- Energy cost per mile
- 5.9¢
- Annual energy cost (12k mi)
- $713
- Fuel savings vs gas rival
- $1,029/yr
- Fast-charge speed
- 117 mi per 10 min
- Modeled capacity-loss allowance
- $201
- NHTSA recall campaigns
- 20
Assumes 12,000 mi/yr, 80% home charging at $0.17/kWh and public DC at $0.48/kWh, gas at $3.92/gal. Scoring model v1.1.