German Hansjörg von Gemmingen is not like most people. His goal is to drive as far as possible in his Tesla Model S. In one year, he has covered 300,000 kilometers.
Tesla enthusiast Hansjörg von Gemmingen has covered an impressive 300,000 kilometers in one year in his 2013 Tesla Model S. He has dedicated himself to driving long distances to demonstrate the durability of his electric car and its battery.
Von Gemmingen has an ambitious goal of breaking world records in all categories and surpassing a Volvo P1800 that is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having covered more than 5 million kilometers .
In 2023, the Tesla received its fourth battery at EV Clinic, a specialist workshop for electric cars in Croatia, where they also installed the 14th electric motor. Since then, Hansjörg has covered just over 500,000 kilometres, and according to him, the battery shows only minimal signs of degradation.
– The new battery passed 500,000 kilometers today. Still 347 km range at 90 percent charge, writes von Gemmingen on his X profile .
Previously, the electric motor was the biggest challenge. But after an upgrade at the Croatian workshop that removed a design flaw, it now runs smoothly.
Tesla has covered three battery replacements under warranty. The first battery lasted 650,000 kilometers, the second 670,000 kilometers, and the third 550,000 kilometers. The current battery has just over 500,000 kilometers.
The car itself, made of aluminum, is in remarkably good condition. Both the steering wheel and seats are original from 2013 and appear well-maintained.
However, Von Gemmingen expresses some irritation at the lack of response from Elon Musk, who has only responded once to the Germans' inquiries.
– Elon Musk sent a message 11 months after I passed one million kilometers, says Hansjörg.
The lack of communication almost led Von Gemmingen to switch to a Lucid Air. For other electric car enthusiasts who want to drive long distances, von Gemmingen has some advice.
– Tesla has a good handle on battery conditioning. It is very important that the batteries do not get too hot, and it is also important that you do not take a cold battery to a supercharger, because that is very bad for the battery.
