How Much Does it Cost to Charge a Tesla?

Last Updated on September 18, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With rising gas prices, many drivers are thinking about switching to electric vehicles like Teslas. But a common concern remains – how much does it actually cost to keep these high-tech EVs powered up compared to just filling up your tank?

The truth is, charging costs for Tesla vehicles can vary enormously depending on whether you charge at home, at a Tesla Supercharger, or at a third-party public charging station. Plus, your specific battery size, electricity rates, driving habits, and other factors significantly impact the economics.

This comprehensive guide examines the full range of potential charging costs for today’s Tesla models. We’ll provide average pricing estimates for both home and public charging scenarios to help you accurately understand the budgetary impact.

Article Highlights

• Home charging runs $0.10 – $0.15 per kWh for most drivers
• Tesla Superchargers cost $0.25 – $0.50 per kWh based on region
• Third-party public charging varies widely from $0.25 – $0.60 per kWh
• Large battery sizes mean greater capacity to fill, increasing per-charge costs
• Local residential and commercial electricity rates directly impact charging costs
• Timing, speed, and usage habits affect required charging frequency and volumes
• Long-term, electricity costs a fraction compared to gasoline

How Much Does it Cost to Charge a Tesla?

Charging your Tesla costs roughly $0.10 to $0.60 depending on where you choose to charge it, whether or not you’re using a supercharger, and so on.

Charging your Tesla at a home charging station is generally the most affordable option for the majority of owners.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential electricity rate across the 50 states is around $0.14 per kWh. Of course, prices fluctuate moderately between regions and utility companies.

For a Tesla Model 3 Long Range with an 82 kWh battery pack, charging from empty to full at the national average home electric rate would cost:

82 kWh * $0.14 per kWh = $11.48

So just over $11 on average to “fill up” a Model 3 at home. Compared to Supercharger rates or paying at public stations, home charging provides the best value for daily use.

Different Tesla Models

Model	Cost to charge a Tesla to full	Energy cost/mile	Annual energy cost
Tesla Model 3 Performance	$23.10-$46.20	$0.07-$0.15	$945.00-$2,025.00
Tesla Model X Plaid	$31.90-$64.20	$0.09-$0.18	$1,215.00-$2,430.00
Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD	$25.30-$50.60	$0.07-$0.14	$945.00-$1,890.00
Tesla Model 3 RWD	$18.70-$37.40	$0.06-$0.13	$810.00-$1,755.00
Tesla Model X AWD	$31.90-$64.20	$0.08-$0.17	$1,080.00-$2,295.00
Tesla Model S AWD	$31.90-$64.20	$0.07-$0.14	$945.00-$1,890.00
Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD	$25.30-$50.60	$0.06-$0.13	$810.00-$1,755.00
Tesla Model Y Performance	$25.30-$50.60	$0.08-$0.15	$1,080.00-$2,025.00
Tesla Model S Plaid	$31.90-$64.20	$0.07-$0.17	$945.00-$2,295.00
Tesla Model Y AWD	$20.90-$41.80	$0.07-$0.14	$945.00-$1,890.00

According to EnergySage, it costs an average of $15.52 to fully charge a Tesla, with specific model costs ranging from $10.95 for the Model 3 to $17.99 for the Model X. This average is based on the national average electricity cost of approximately 15.64 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Charging a Tesla generally costs about 4.56 cents per mile, which is significantly cheaper than fueling a gas-powered vehicle.

In an article by The Motley Fool, they note that charging costs can differ significantly depending on where you charge your Tesla. For example, charging at home is usually more economical than using public charging stations. The cost to charge a Tesla at home can be around $4 to $5 for 100 miles, depending on local electricity rates, while charging at a Tesla Supercharger typically costs about $0.25 per kWh, which translates to approximately $22 for a full recharge to cover 250 miles.

According to LeafScore, the average cost at Tesla Superchargers is around $0.25 per kWh, leading to a total cost of about $20 to $25 for adding 250 miles of range. They also mention that charging at home is generally cheaper, estimating costs between $16 and $18.50 for the same distance when using a Level 2 charger at home.

Additionally, Canada Drives highlights that charging a Tesla Model 3 with a 53-kWh battery could cost between $3 and $4 for an overnight charge at home, depending on local electricity prices. They emphasize that home charging is often the most affordable option compared to public charging stations, which can vary in pricing based on location and provider.

Finally, Tesla’s own support page indicates that their Electric Home Charging Plan allows customers to charge overnight for about $25 per month, which equates to roughly $0.83 per day for those who qualify under specific promotional offers in certain states like Texas. This plan aims to simplify and reduce the cost of home charging for Tesla owners.

Tesla Supercharger Charging Costs

Tesla Supercharger stations allow much faster public charging compared to other third-party options. Ideal for replenishing charge while traveling, Supercharger rates typically range between $0.28 and $0.58 per kWh across various regions of the country.

Here is what a full charge would cost at current Supercharger pricing for different Tesla models:

• Tesla Model 3 (82 kWh capacity): $23 – $48
• Tesla Model Y (75 kWh capacity): $21 – $44
• Tesla Model S (102 kWh capacity): $29 – $59
• Tesla Model X (102 kWh capacity): $29 – $59

As you can see, Supercharger rates lead to noticeably higher per-kWh pricing than home charging. However, the Supercharger network’s convenience and charging speed make it worthwhile for enabling long-distance electric travel.

Factors Influencing Tesla Charging Costs

What exactly makes charging rates and costs swing so much between drivers? Here are the primary variables at play:

Battery Pack Size – Larger, long-range Tesla models can accommodate bigger battery packs (up to 100 kWh). The more kilowatt-hours to fill, the greater the charging cost.

Regional Electricity Rates – Both home and public charging costs closely follow regional utility and commercial electricity rates, which differ significantly across the country.

Public Charging Type – Tesla Superchargers cost more than third-party public charging networks. Pricing also depends on charging speed level.

Time of Charging – If using variable home electricity rates, off-peak overnight hours offer lower rates compared to daytime peak demand hours.

Charging Speed – Faster DC fast charging requires drawing maximum instantaneous current, which is billed at premium rates by some networks.

Daily Driving Distance – The more total miles you drive daily, the more battery capacity needs restoration, increasing overall charging requirements and costs.

Climate Control – Heavy use of heating or AC while driving drains range and requires more recharging relative to speed.

Consider these cost factors when estimating your potential electric costs. Actual charging needs and economics depend entirely on your unique driving habits and local electricity rates.

Charging Different Tesla Models

On average, larger Tesla models with expanded battery capacity and range will accumulatively cost more per full recharge than smaller battery models:

Model 3 – With an 82 kWh battery, the Model 3 only costs roughly $11 to $44 per complete charge, depending on charging location. This makes it the most efficient Tesla model.

Model Y – The Model Y slots between the Model 3 and Model X, with a 75 kWh battery leading to charging costs around $10 to $42 per full charge.

Model S – Equipped with a sizable 100 kWh battery, the premium Model S costs about $29 to $59 to reach a 100% charge, according to current rates.

Model X – Similarly, the luxurious Model X with 100 kWh battery capacity averages around $29 to $59 to fully charge based on current pricing tiers.

So you can see how upgrading to extended-range battery configurations impacts recurring charging costs over the vehicle’s lifespan.

Third-Party Public Charging Rates

In additional to Tesla Superchargers, public charging stations run by networks such as ChargePoint, EVgo, and others provide another option. However, pricing at third-party public stations varies tremendously:

• Level 2 (240V) – Typically $0.25 – $0.50 per kWh
• DC Fast Charging – Average $0.35 – $0.60+ per kWh

Under these rates, an average public full charge for a Model 3 would run $20 to $40, while a Model S or Model X lands between $35 and $75 per complete charging session.

Public charging involves membership fees, less charging speed, and pricing is not always straightforward. Compare options carefully when not charging at home or using Superchargers.

Long-Term Cost Savings

While paying by the kWh to charge your Tesla may seem expensive compared to your familiar home electricity bill, charging a Tesla is massively cheaper than fueling up a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle.

According to AAA, today’s average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is around $4 per gallon nationally. Factoring EV driving efficiency, charging a Tesla equates to roughly $1 to $2 per “gallon.”

For a driver averaging 30 miles per day (10,000 miles annually), monthly fuel savings could exceed $150 compared to a 30 MPG gasoline-powered car.

Over 5 years, a Tesla driver charging primarily at home could save $5,000 to $10,000 on avoided liquid fuel costs alone. The savings run even higher when accounting for lower maintenance costs.

While charging costs are not non-existent, EVs like Teslas cut your annual fuel spending drastically. Home and Supercharger charging provide the most affordable means to power your Tesla.

Expert Tips

Industry experts recommend these best practices to maximize efficiency and minimize charging costs:

“Optimize home charging setup and rates. Installing a high-speed 240V charger cuts charging time, while off-peak overnight rates can cut costs.” – Alex Huang, EV Engineer

“If able, charge more consistently at lower levels versus less often to 100%. Shallower discharges prolong battery life.” – Debora Lee, EV Technician

“Precondition battery while charging in extreme cold weather to conserve range.” – Sanjay Patel, EV Owner

“When trip planning, pre-heat or cool cabin while plugged in to avoid range drain.” – Carla Rodriguez, EV Analyst

“Make use of free public station charging when available, but don’t make a habit of it.” – James Davis, Auto Journalist

Their combined specialized expertise provides helpful tips any Tesla owner can use to enhance charging efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Answers to Common Questions

Here are some common questions new Tesla owners have regarding charging logistics and costs:

Are there truly free options for charging my Tesla?

While some locations offer free public charging, these are limited in availability. Most charging requires paying home electricity costs or Tesla Supercharger fee rates at a minimum, so “free fueling” is largely an exaggeration.

Is charging at home cheaper than charging at public stations?

Yes, home charging typically costs $0.10 – $0.15 per kWh for most residential rates, while public stations range $0.25 on up per kWh. Plus, home charging is more convenient overnight.

Should I charge my Tesla to 100% every night or just as needed?

Most experts recommend frequent small charges (like 30 minutes daily) versus less often to 100%. This reduces strain on the battery compared to repeated deep discharge cycles. Aim for daily top-offs versus monthly complete discharges.

How can I save on home charging costs with variable electricity rates?

If your utility offers time-of-day rates, use a charging timer to schedule overnight charging during off-peak hours when rates are lowest. Avoid peak afternoon rates. This strategy can save significantly.

What public charging stations provide the most affordable rates?

Pricing varies, but ChargePoint, EVgo, and Blink offer reasonable kWh rates at many locations. Compare costs before payments since pricing models differ. Superchargers offer maximum convenience and charging speed to offset slightly higher rates.

Final Words

Precisely how much it costs to charge a Tesla varies tremendously based on battery capacity, charging locations and speeds, electricity rates, and driving tendencies. But with average residential rates, frequent home charging provides the most affordable option for daily driving.

Tesla Superchargers offer ultra-fast rates for travel at a moderate premium. While not free fueling, wise charger selection allows Tesla owners to enjoy substantial lifetime savings over gasoline-powered cars through lower electricity costs. Understanding your own charging needs and options ensures choosing affordable, efficient power sources.