- Public charging stations, such as Tesla Superchargers, provide convenience for long-distance travel but may come at a higher cost compared to home charging.
- Time-of-use rates and off-peak charging options can help Tesla owners save on charging expenses.
- Comparing charging costs for different Tesla models and understanding the cost implications of charging at various locations are essential for managing overall charging expenses efficiently.
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is on the rise, with Tesla leading the change in the automotive industry. As more and more consumers turn to electric transportation, it’s becoming critical to understand the factors that affect the cost of charging a Tesla vehicle. From electricity rates and battery capacity to home charging options and public charging stations, Tesla owners need to consider a variety of factors when estimating charging costs.
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Factors affecting charging costs
The price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) varies across regions and can significantly impact the overall charging expenses. By comparing and analysing local electricity rates, Tesla owners can estimate the cost of charging their vehicles accurately. Additionally, exploring time-of-use rates and off-peak charging options can lead to cost savings and more efficient charging practices.
The battery capacity of a Tesla vehicle is a key factor in calculating charging costs. Larger battery sizes, such as those found in Tesla’s long-range models, require more energy to fully charge, resulting in higher expenses.
Electricity costs for different models
The cost of charging a Tesla car depends on factors such as vehicle size, range, battery size, and efficiency. The company offers five models: Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck.
The cost of charging a car depends on the charging station you choose, with Tesla charging stations typically charging at $0.25/kwh, while other stations can charge up to $0.50/kWh. The charging time also affects the cost, as electricity costs tend to fall at night. The exact amount charged depends on your local utility, and some utilities may offer special low rates for nighttime consumption.
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Home charging
Tesla Model 3 RWD can be charged at home for just $7, the cheapest option in North Dakota, where electricity is the cheapest in the country at less than $0.10 per kilowatt-hour. This is the best possible scenario, as the base Model 3 has a smaller battery than all other Teslas. Charging the bigger battery of a Model S or Model X with the most expensive electricity in the continental U.S. costs nearly $40.
However, comparing the cost of charging an EV with filling a gas tank requires considering how far your money will take you in each type of vehicle. A Tesla driver driving the national average of 13,500 miles per year would spend between $405 and $1,755 on charging if always plugged in at home.
Public charging stations
The 17,000 superchargers in Tesla’s network provide convenience, but at a cost. In 15 to 30 minutes, a supercharger can charge a Tesla from almost empty to 80% of its capacity; however, the cost of power used for this process is approximately double that of charging at home. Depending on the area, prices might range from $0.25 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour.
Although some Tesla owners use Superchargers, which are similar to petrol stations, for their EVs, most EV users only use these DC fast charges for lengthy road journeys. Based on current Supercharger charges, the yearly energy cost is calculated assuming 13,500 miles of driving and all charging at Superchargers, as shown in the table below.
