Tesla Model Y taxi at 203,000 km: 89% battery SOH and service lessons

When an electric car shuttles passengers day in, day out, the idea of zero maintenance quickly gives way to hard numbers and hardware. Spanish taxi driver Juan Carlos, known as El Taxista Electrico, brought his Tesla Model Y—203,000 km in roughly two and a half years—to a specialist shop called The Doctor for a full work‑up: more than 60 checkpoints, an inspection of suspension and brakes, fluids, drivetrain and cooling, plus separate battery diagnostics with professional equipment.

The key concern was degradation. The battery showed a state of health of 89%, which translates to about an 11% loss of capacity. For daily service with regular charges to 100% and occasional ultra‑fast sessions, the result was considered normal. The shop also pointed out that the battery modules were well balanced, with minimal voltage spread between them—an indicator of healthy operation.

The mechanical side brought useful notes too. The brake fluid was right at the moisture threshold for replacement, and after suspension work at 150,000 km, some components are again showing signs of fatigue—unsurprising for a city taxi. The most practical takeaway concerns transmission oil: the first change happened at 60,000 km, but the shop recommends doing it earlier (30–40 thousand) and then repeating roughly every 80–100 thousand km. At the same time, the battery coolant was in excellent shape, and the pads and discs remain almost like new thanks to regeneration.

Mileage like this is the best kind of test. The Model Y looks convincing here, but savings really start when the owner doesn’t skip the schedule for those seemingly minor items.