Estimate your Tesla charging costs based on battery level, electricity rates, and model specifications. Get accurate cost calculations for home and public charging scenarios.
This page includes an interactive calculator, step-by-step usage guide, manual calculation methods, cost comparison charts, money-saving tips, and answers to frequently asked charging cost questions.
Average US rate is $0.13/kWh
Enter your Tesla details and click "Calculate Cost" to see your estimated charging cost.
Follow these simple steps to calculate your Tesla charging costs accurately
Choose your Tesla model or enter custom battery capacity
Adjust starting and target battery percentages
Input your local electricity price per kWh
Get your estimated charging cost and energy usage
Check your utility bill or contact your provider. Rates vary from $0.10 to $0.30+ per kWh across different states.
Charging between 20-80% is most efficient and cost-effective for daily use. Avoid frequent 0-100% charges.
Home charging typically costs half as much as Superchargers. Consider time-of-use rates for even more savings.
Cold weather can increase charging costs by 10-20% due to battery preconditioning and heating needs.
Complete guide to understanding and calculating your Tesla charging expenses
Cost = (Battery Capacity × Charge Percentage ÷ 100) × Electricity RateYour Tesla's kWh rating
How much you're charging
Your $/kWh price
• Tesla Model Y (82 kWh battery)
• Charging from 20% to 80% (60% charge needed)
• Electricity rate: $0.15/kWh
Cost = (82 kWh × 60% ÷ 100) × $0.15 = 49.2 kWh × $0.15 = $7.38
Charging Losses: 10-15% energy lost as heat during charging
Phantom Drain: Car uses 1-3% battery daily when parked
Preconditioning: Heating/cooling battery uses extra energy
Time-of-Use Rates: Peak hours cost more than off-peak
Check Your Bill: Look for "kWh rate" or "energy charge"
Call Your Utility: Ask for residential kWh rate
Online Tools: Use utility company's rate calculator
EV Plans: Many utilities offer special EV rates
Daily Use: Charge to 80% for optimal battery health
Long Trips: 100% charge is fine occasionally
Cost Impact: 80-100% charging is slower and less efficient
Battery Life: Frequent 100% charges reduce lifespan
Home Rate: Usually $0.10-$0.20/kWh
Supercharger: Typically $0.28-$0.32/kWh
Savings: Home charging saves 40-60% vs public
Installation: Wall connector pays for itself in 6-12 months
Cold Weather (below 32°F): +15-25% energy usage
Hot Weather (above 90°F): +10-15% for cooling
Optimal Range: 65-75°F for best efficiency
Preconditioning: Use while plugged in to save battery
Level 1 (120V): Most efficient, slowest
Level 2 (240V): Best balance of speed/efficiency
DC Fast Charging: Fastest but 10-15% less efficient
Charging Curve: Slows down after 80% capacity
Flat Rate: Same price 24/7
Time-of-Use: Cheaper at night (often 50% less)
Tiered Rates: Price increases with usage
Demand Charges: Based on peak usage (rare for residential)
New Battery: 100% efficiency
After 2-3 years: 95-98% efficiency
After 5+ years: 90-95% efficiency
Degradation: Gradual capacity loss over time
Understanding the factors that affect your Tesla charging costs
*Your actual costs may vary depending on electricity prices and charging conditions
Prices can range from $0.10 to over $0.30 per kWh depending on your state and utility company.
Home charging is usually cheaper than using Tesla Superchargers.
Charging from 20% to 80% is cheaper and more efficient than charging from 0% to 100%.
Each Tesla model has different energy consumption rates.
Average US residential rate
Best for daily charging
Most locations
Convenient for road trips
Superchargers are convenient for road trips but typically cost almost double the home rate.
This estimator helps Tesla owners get an idea of their battery's charging costs by comparing different charge levels, electricity rates, and Tesla model specifications. Use this tool to plan your charging budget and understand the cost differences between home and public charging.
Around $9–$12, depending on your electricity price. Using the US average rate of $0.17/kWh, a Model 3 with a 60 kWh battery costs approximately $10 for a full charge from empty.
Yes, Superchargers usually cost almost double the average home rate. While home charging averages $0.17/kWh, Superchargers typically charge $0.28–$0.32/kWh in most locations.
Charge during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, consider installing solar panels, and keep your battery between 20–80% for optimal efficiency. Many utilities offer time-of-use rates with cheaper overnight charging.
Yes, cold weather reduces efficiency and requires more energy for heating and battery preconditioning. Winter charging can cost 10-20% more due to reduced battery efficiency and cabin heating needs.
Our calculations use official Tesla battery capacities and your input electricity rate. Actual costs may vary slightly due to charging efficiency losses (typically 10-15%), temperature conditions, and battery age.
Explore our other Tesla calculators to get comprehensive insights into your EV ownership costs and planning.