Rajan Wilcox
Electric vehicles (EVs) are generally considered to be more cost-effective than traditional gas-powered cars. However, the true cost of owning an EV, such as a Tesla, is more complex and depends on various factors. For example, the cost of charging a Tesla at home varies depending on location, with electricity rates differing from state to state. While charging a Tesla Model 3 RWD from empty to full in North Dakota may cost as little as $7, charging a larger battery in a Model S or Model X in a state with higher electricity rates, such as Connecticut, could be significantly more expensive. Additionally, the cost of charging a Tesla can be affected by factors such as vehicle efficiency, weather conditions, and driving style. On the other hand, the cost of fueling a gas-powered car depends on factors such as the size of the gas tank, the type of gas required, and the efficiency of the vehicle. Despite these variables, statistics show that recharging a Tesla is generally more financially viable than fueling a gas-powered vehicle, with the potential to save hundreds of dollars per year on fuel costs.
Charging a Tesla vs Fueling a Car
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of charging a Tesla at home | $7-$70 depending on the model and location |
| Cost of fueling a car | $11-$16 for 100 miles depending on the car model and location |
| Cost of charging a Tesla at a Supercharger station | $17.81-$70 depending on the rates and fees at the station |
| Cost of charging a Tesla on average | $15.52 |
| Cost of charging a Tesla annually | $614.95 |
| Cost of fueling a car annually | $1,850.42 |
| Cost of charging a Tesla per mile | $0.03-$0.10 |
| Cost of fueling a car per mile | $0.1373 |
| Cost of charging a Tesla monthly | $25-$73 |
| Cost of fueling a car monthly | $70-$100 |
| Cost of charging a Tesla with solar power | $0 after the initial investment |
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What You'll Learn
Cost of charging at home
The cost of charging a Tesla at home varies depending on your location and the model of your car. For instance, charging a Tesla Model 3 RWD from empty to full in North Dakota can cost as little as $7, thanks to the state's remarkably low electricity rates, averaging less than $0.10 per kilowatt-hour. However, charging a larger battery in a Model S or Model X in a state with higher electricity rates, such as Connecticut, could cost significantly more.
In 2025, it is estimated that it will cost between $10.98 and $18.00 to fully charge your Tesla at home, depending on various factors. The cost to fully charge a Tesla with a Supercharger can range from $17.81 to over $70, depending on the rates and fees at the Supercharger station. Superchargers have rates between $0.25 and $0.60 per kilowatt-hour and vary with location.
Charging a Tesla at home is generally more cost-effective than using a Supercharger or public charging station, which can be twice as expensive as home charging. Public charging stations also typically come with additional fees, such as idle fees and congestion charges.
The cost of charging a Tesla at home also depends on the efficiency of your charger. It is recommended to use a Level 2 charger to keep costs low and maintain your car’s battery health.
Overall, charging a Tesla at home is significantly cheaper than fueling a gas-powered car. A report from Kelly Blue Book estimates that driving 1,000 miles per month and paying 10 cents for each kilowatt-hour of electricity will result in an at-home recharging bill of $25 to $33 per month. This is significantly lower than the $100 per month it would cost to drive 1,000 miles in an average gas car.
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Cost of charging at public stations
The cost of charging a Tesla at public stations varies depending on the location and the time of day. In the UK, the average off-peak and on-peak kilowatt-hour (kWh) will respectively cost £0.54 and £0.67. This means that adding 100 miles of range to a Model 3 will cost around £13 off-peak and £15.50 at its most expensive. The Tesla app or the car's map will tell you the live pricing and allow you to choose another cheaper Supercharger if possible.
Tesla Superchargers can replenish a Tesla's battery from nearly empty to 80% in 15 to 30 minutes, but the electricity at Superchargers is roughly double the cost of home charging. Supercharger prices can range from $0.25 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour, depending on the location. For instance, in the UK, a BMW i4 has a usable capacity of 80 kWh, which will cost £42.88 for an 80% charge at a Supercharger. In comparison, the Tesla Model X has a capacity of 105 kWh and would cost £56.28 for an 80% charge at a Supercharger station.
Destination chargers are usually free as long as you are a customer of the host business. They are generally 22kW, meaning you can take power almost three times faster than a conventional AC public charger or home wall box. However, companies in the US can add a per-kWh cost if they install more than six charge points.
It is worth noting that the cost of charging a Tesla is generally cheaper than fuelling a gas-powered car. While you may pay more upfront for a Tesla than a comparable gas car, EVs are typically cheaper over their lifetime.
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Cost of charging at Superchargers
The cost of charging a Tesla at a Supercharger station varies depending on several factors. The electricity rate at the Supercharger station, the Tesla model, and the location of the station all influence the price. On average, it costs around $15.52 to charge a Tesla, but this can range from $10.95 to $18.14 depending on the model.
Superchargers are Tesla's extensive network of over 17,000 fast chargers worldwide, providing convenience for EV owners but at a higher price than home charging. The electricity cost at Superchargers is approximately double that of home charging, with prices ranging from $0.25 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour, depending on the location. The Supercharger rate can be as low as $0.11 per kWh and as high as $0.60 per kWh, with an average of $0.25 per kilowatt-hour.
The total cost of charging a Tesla Model 3 Performance, for example, can vary from $9 to $32 for a full charge, or $0.03 to $0.10 per mile, resulting in an annual energy cost of $405 to $1,350. The cost of charging a Tesla Model 3 in Northern Ontario, Canada, was reported to be C$0.67 per kWh, resulting in a cost of under C$40.00 for a full charge from 0 to 100%.
It is important to note that Supercharger stations may also charge idle and congestion fees. Idle fees are typically $0.50 to $1.00 per minute when a vehicle remains connected after reaching a certain battery percentage threshold, and they are waived if the vehicle is moved within five minutes. Congestion fees, on the other hand, are applied during peak hours when the battery is over 80% full, with a charge of $1.00 per minute.
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Cost of fuel for gas-powered cars
The cost of fueling a gas-powered car depends on several factors, including the size of the gas tank, the type of gas required, and the car's efficiency. The price of gas also varies by location, with Hawaii and California having some of the highest gas prices and Texas having relatively lower prices. The average American driver spends about $3,000 per year on gas, and the cost of gas may be higher for larger vehicles like SUVs compared to smaller sedans.
To reduce fuel costs, it is recommended to maintain proper tire inflation, remove unnecessary accessories that increase drag, and plan routes to drive shorter distances and avoid stop-and-go city driving.
While the upfront cost of a Tesla or other electric vehicle (EV) is typically higher than that of a comparable gas car, the lifetime costs of an EV are generally lower due to cheaper fueling and maintenance expenses. EVs are more efficient than gasoline engines, with 87% to 91% of the energy consumed being used to move the car, compared to 16% to 25% for gas vehicles. This efficiency results in lower fueling costs for EVs, with an average of $614.95 to charge a Tesla per year compared to $1,850.42 for a comparable gas-powered car.
However, the cost of charging an EV can vary significantly depending on factors such as local electricity rates, charging location (home vs. public stations), and the vehicle's efficiency. For example, charging a Tesla Model 3 RWD from empty to full in North Dakota, a state with low electricity rates, can cost as little as $7, while charging a larger battery model in a state with higher electricity rates can be significantly more expensive.
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Cost of electricity for charging
The cost of charging a Tesla varies depending on several factors, including the model of the car, the location of charging, and the electricity rates in that particular state or region. For instance, charging a Tesla Model 3 RWD from empty to full in North Dakota, a state with low electricity rates, can cost as little as $7, whereas charging a larger battery model in a state with higher electricity rates, such as Connecticut, could cost significantly more.
The cost of charging a Tesla at home also depends on the efficiency of the charger being used. It is recommended to use a Level 2 charger to maintain the health of the car's battery and keep costs low. The cost of charging a Tesla at home can range from $10.98 to $18.00 for a full charge, or between $25 and $33 per month for 1,000 miles, assuming an electricity rate of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour. This cost can be halved by installing solar power, which has an average return on investment of seven to eight years.
Charging a Tesla at a public charging station or Supercharger can be significantly more expensive due to higher rates and additional fees. Superchargers can cost anywhere from $0.25 to $0.60 per kilowatt-hour, and they charge per minute rather than per hour, with rates varying depending on the charging station's location and the time of day. The cost of charging a Tesla at a Supercharger can range from $17.81 to over $70 for a full charge.
Overall, despite the variability in electricity rates and charging station fees, the cost of charging a Tesla is generally cheaper than fueling a gas-powered car. Electric vehicles are more energy-efficient, and the cost of electricity is typically more stable than volatile gas prices, which fluctuate due to various world events.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in general, charging a Tesla is more than three times cheaper per mile than fueling a gas-powered car.
On average, it costs $15.52 to charge a Tesla, with prices ranging from $10.95 to $18.14 depending on the model.
The cost of fueling a car depends on the size of the gas tank and the type of gas required. As of February 2023, the average cost of fueling a gas-powered car in the US was $1,850.42 per year.
The most cost-effective way to charge a Tesla is at home, where electricity rates are lower than at public charging stations.
Yes, there may be additional costs such as the cost of installing a home charger, transmission losses while recharging, and the cost of driving to distant public fueling stations.
