Catalytic total oxidation is important in several applications. However, associated models are rather empirical. In this study, a microkinetic model is developed for ethane total oxidation, under fuel-lean conditions on a Pt catalyst using input from density functional theory and Bronsted-Evans-Polanyi linear free energy relations. Reaction orders and the apparent activation energy estimated from the model are in good agreement with experimental values. The inclusion of oxygen coverage effects on the activation of ethane changes the rate-determining step from thermal dehydrogenation to oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane. A significant portion (30%) of the reaction flux proceeds via oxygen insertion reactions to C-2 hydrocarbons (CH2C*).