Warning: Tesla charges $0.25 per mile over your lease limit. Going 5,000 miles over? That's a $1,250 penalty at lease end.
All Tesla leases come with annual mileage limits:
| Mileage Plan | Additional Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 miles/year | $0 extra | City drivers with short commutes |
| 12,000 miles/year | +$20-$30/month | Average commuters (40 miles/day) |
| 15,000 miles/year | +$50-$70/month | Road trippers or sales professionals |
Tip: Switching from 10k to 15k miles typically costs $600-$840 more over 3 years—but saves you from $0.25/mile overage fees that could be much higher.
You can buy additional miles upfront at a discount (typically $0.15/mile vs. $0.25 at lease end).
Track your odometer through:
If you're approaching your limit:
If you know you'll drive more:
Sites like LeaseTrader.com allow you to transfer your lease to someone else if you're way over miles.
Important: Tesla doesn't allow lease buyouts, so you can't purchase the car to avoid mileage fees.
If you're already over:
Q: Can I change my mileage limit mid-lease?
A: No—you must select your mileage plan at signing.
Q: Do Tesla leases have unlimited mileage options?
A: No, but some third-party leasing companies do.
Q: How strict is Tesla with mileage fees?
A: Very. They track odometer readings remotely.
If you regularly drive 15k+ miles/year:
Final Tip: The average American drives 13,500 miles/year. If that's you, the 15k-mile lease plan is cheaper than paying overage fees.