This article is your complete guide to learning about the cost to charge a Tesla vs. natural gas car. A Tesla Model 3 at home with an average U.S. electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh costs around $10.94 to $14.45. While the average driver spends about $40 – $50 on a tank of gas. Our blog aims to explain these costs by providing an in-depth guide to understanding the financial factors of owning a Tesla versus a gas-powered vehicle!
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How Much Does It Cost to Charge Your Tesla
The cost to charge a Tesla depends on the model and local electricity rates. For instance, charging a Tesla Model 3 at home with an average U.S. electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh costs around $10.94 to $14.45, depending on the specific model variant. This translates to approximately $0.04 per mile. Other Tesla models like the Model S and Model X cost about $17.60 and $17.55 for a full charge, respectively, at home.
For those using Tesla Superchargers, which are often used during long trips, the cost can be higher, ranging from $17 to $58 per full charge depending on the model. The cost per mile using Superchargers can vary between $0.06 and $0.18
Cost Comparison with Gas Vehicles
In comparison, filling up a typical gas car’s tank (assuming a 24.9 MPG efficiency) can cost between $42 and $56, depending on fuel prices which currently average around $3.50 per gallon. This equates to about $0.13 per mile, making gas-powered vehicles more expensive per mile than Teslas charged at home.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla Home Charging: Generally costs between $10.94 and $17.60 per full charge, translating to about $0.04 per mile.
- Supercharger Use: Can cost significantly more, especially for frequent long-distance travel.
- Gasoline Vehicles: Average around $42-$56 per tank, with costs significantly affected by fluctuating gas prices.
Electric vehicles like Teslas offer considerable savings on fuel costs, particularly when charged at home. The cost-efficiency of Teslas improves further when considering the lower per-mile costs compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
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Tesla Charging Rates by Model
How Much to Charge a Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3, with a battery capacity of around 54 kWh for the Standard Range Plus, typically costs about $8.10 to fully charge at an average electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh. This cost can vary slightly based on the specific variant and local electricity rates. The range provided is approximately 263 miles.
Cost to Charge Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y, with a battery capacity of around 75 kWh, has a full charging cost of about $11.25. This figure is based on the same average electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh and provides a range of close to 316 miles. The cost and efficiency may vary depending on whether the model is Long Range or Performance.
How Much to Charge Tesla Model X
For the larger Tesla Model X, which has a battery capacity of approximately 100 kWh, the cost to fully charge is around $15. This estimate is again based on an average electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh. The Model X offers a range of about 348 miles, making it a highly efficient option for its class.
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How Much Does it Cost to Fill a Gas Car?
Comparing electric cars vs gas cars, like EVs, filling a gas car can vary significantly. For a standard sedan, it typically costs around $42 to fill a 12-gallon tank at the current average gas vs electric price of $3.50 per gallon. Crossover SUVs, with larger 16-gallon tanks, may cost about $56. Larger SUVs, with their heftier 26-gallon tanks, can see costs up to $91. These figures starkly contrast with the average cost of charging a Tesla. This fuels the debate about are electric cars cheaper than gas cars and the potential savings of is Tesla charging cheaper than gas in the long run.
Gasoline Costs:
- Sedan: For a standard sedan with a 12-gallon tank, the cost to fill up at an average gas price of $3.60 per gallon is approximately $43.20.
- Crossover SUV: With a 16-gallon tank, a crossover SUV would cost around $57.60 to fill up.
- Large SUV: Larger SUVs with 26-gallon tanks would see costs around $93.60.
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Which is Cheaper – Tesla or Gas Cars?
Absolutely! On average, Tesla owners can save between $800 and $1,000 annually on fuel compared to traditional gasoline cars. This significant saving is attributed not only to the lower cost of electricity but also to the reduced maintenance requirements of EVs. Electric cars have fewer moving parts, leading to lower maintenance and repair costs over time. Additionally, the stable cost of electricity compared to the fluctuating prices of gasoline further enhances the cost-effectiveness of EV ownership.
In summary, while the initial investment in a Tesla might be higher, the ongoing savings from lower fueling and maintenance costs make it a financially wise choice in the long run. This makes Tesla a compelling option for those looking to save money and reduce their environmental footprint.
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Cost to Charge a Tesla vs. Natural Gas FAQ
Q: What Maintenance Costs Can I Expect with a Tesla Compared to a Gas Car?
A: Teslas typically have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes.
Q: Are There Any Incentives or Rebates for Installing a Tesla Home Charger?
A: Some regions offer incentives or rebates for EV charger installations; it’s best to check local programs.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Charge a Tesla at Home vs. a Supercharger?
A: Home charging can take several hours, while Superchargers can charge a Tesla to about 80% in around 30 minutes.
Q: What Is the Lifespan of a Tesla Battery, and How Does It Affect Long-term Costs?
A: Tesla batteries are designed to last many years, with a gradual decline in range over time, affecting long-term costs minimally.
Q: Can I Charge My Tesla with Solar Power, and How Does This Affect Cost?
A: Yes, charging with solar power can reduce costs further, depending on the solar setup and energy production.
Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?
If you’ve taken the time to understand the information on your bill and discovered you’re paying more than you’d like for your electricity, have you looked around for a cheaper deal? The Energy Professor has a wealth of information on ways to save on your utilities, including details of top deals that could significantly reduce your monthly or quarterly electricity bills.
We hope you found this article helpful! If you are looking for ways to increase energy efficiency and sustainability in your home be sure to take a look at all of the latest renewable energy options in your area. The Energy Professor helps residential and small business owners find qualified energy suppliers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
