The Cost of Charging Each Tesla EV Model (2024)| 8MSolar

Charging a Tesla to full capacity typically costs between $13 and $18, with variations based on the specific model. For the majority of owners, powering a Tesla’s battery proves more cost-effective than refueling a traditional gasoline car, potentially cutting fuel expenses by half. The actual amount you’ll spend on charging depends on the model of Tesla you own, the location of charging, and your driving frequency.

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla?

The amount you’ll spend to charge a Tesla varies based on your vehicle usage, the specific Tesla model you plan to purchase, and your charging location. The table below provides an average estimate of the costs associated with fully charging each Tesla model at home:

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model S?

As of January 2024, the Tesla Model S lineup includes the Standard Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive and the Plaid version, both equipped with a 100 kWh battery. For the standard variant, which boasts a notable range of 405 miles, a full charge will cost you $17.60. This calculation assumes an electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh and a charging efficiency of 85%.

The cost per mile for charging the standard Model S amounts to approximately $0.043, translating to $4.33 for every 100 miles driven.

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model X?

The Tesla Model X and the Model X Plaid both feature 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) batteries, although older Model X versions might have batteries with capacities as low as 60 kWh. If you own a Model X equipped with a 100 kWh battery and pay the U.S. national average electricity cost of $0.15 per kWh, considering an 85% charging efficiency typical for Level 2 home charging stations, the full charge cost would approximate $17.55.

For the 2023 Model X, which boasts a 351-mile range, this translates to a cost of about $0.05 per mile, or $5 for every 100 miles traveled. The 2023 Model X Plaid, with its 333-mile range, incurs a marginally higher cost per mile of approximately $0.053, equating to around $5.30 per 100 miles.

Remember, the charging costs for a Tesla Model X can vary based on the charger type, car features, local electricity rates, and whether you’re charging the battery from empty.

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model Y?

Tesla’s latest electric vehicle, the Model Y, is available in two versions, each equipped with a 75 kWh battery. Fully charging the Long Range Model Y will cost you $13.20, translating to roughly $0.04 per mile or $3.98 for every 100 miles. This charging cost is nearly 64% lower than the per-mile cost of driving many popular gasoline-powered vehicles, which stands at around 13 cents per mile.

Despite these considerable gas savings, numerous new electric car owners have discovered an even more cost-effective charging method for their Teslas: harnessing the power of home solar panels.

What is the cost to charge a Tesla Model 3?

The standard Rear-Wheel Drive Tesla Model 3 is equipped with a 62.3 kWh battery, offering up to 272 miles of range. In contrast, the Performance and Long Range versions of the Model 3 feature larger 82 kWh batteries, with the Performance model reaching up to 315 miles of range and the Long Range model extending to 358 miles.

If you opt for the 2023 standard Model 3, the cost to fully charge its battery would be approximately $10.94. This results in a cost of about $0.04 per mile, or $4.02 for every 100 miles driven. On the other hand, fully charging either the Performance or Long Range models would cost around $14.39. This equates to roughly $0.046 per mile for the Performance model and about $0.04 per mile for the Long Range model.

What is the cost of charging a Tesla if you use a home solar-powered charging station?

Installing a home solar power system can significantly reduce the cost of charging a Tesla. With optimal conditions for solar panels, the cost of generating solar power can drop to as low as 5 cents per kilowatt-hour, offering a more economical charging solution than grid electricity.

The cost of charging a Tesla using solar power ranges from $3.78 to $6.07, depending on the model, which is markedly lower than grid electricity charging costs. To understand the economics, consider the investment in a 6 kilowatt (kW) solar system. This system has an upfront cost of about $17,100, which, after applying a 30% solar tax credit, reduces to $11,970. Depending on your location’s sunlight exposure, such a system can generate between 6,130 and 10,500 kWh of electricity annually. You may want to consider a Tesla Powerwall 3 as well.

Over a 25-year lifespan, this translates to an effective rate of approximately 5.16 cents per kWh of solar-generated electricity, significantly below the U.S. grid average of $0.15 per kWh. While this analysis doesn’t account for the time value of money, the current low interest rates on deposits make this factor less significant.

The actual cost of solar panel installation and the electricity output can vary based on your home’s location and the amount of sunlight it receives. To get a tailored estimate, you can use an online solar calculator, entering your zip code and power bill details.

What are the pros and cons of electric vehicles?

Electric vehicles offer considerable savings on annual operating costs and the convenience of home recharging, contributing positively to environmental conservation. They have also demonstrated their ability to match traditional vehicles in terms of power and performance. However, adapting to charging networks may present initial challenges, requiring additional planning for potentially slower charging stops.

What will affect the cost of charging your electric vehicle?

The annual cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV) varies based on several factors:

Driving Distance

Select an EV model with sufficient range and battery capacity to meet your driving needs and avoid being stranded. For example, budget-conscious buyers might opt for affordable models like the Chevy Volt EV, which is priced under $35,000.

Vehicle Type and Budget

Your budget and vehicle type preference also play crucial roles. Those with a higher budget might lean towards luxury EVs like the Tesla Model S, while individuals in regions with sparse public charging infrastructure might consider hybrid vehicles for extended range between charges.

Usage Needs

Consider what you’ll be transporting in your daily drives. For standard commutes, compact EVs like the Nissan Leaf might suffice. If you require more space, an SUV like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 could be ideal. For transporting larger items, a truck like the Ford F-150 Lightning might be necessary.

8MSolar Can Help You Understand Your Options

It’s vital to conduct thorough research before settling on an EV model to ensure it aligns with your needs and preferences. Adopting electric vehicles is crucial for conserving shared resources. Pairing your EV with a home solar panel system can enhance your environmental impact and reduce reliance on diminishing oil reserves. If you are a North Carolina resident Duke Energy is offering an EV Charging Installation Rebate. Consulting with a local residential solar installation company, like 8MSolar can provide more insights into complementing your EV with a solar system.