The Short Answer
Charging a Tesla at home costs $30-60 per month for average driving (1,000 miles). A full charge costs $8-15 depending on your model and electricity rate. This is 60-70% cheaper than filling up a gas car.
Cost Breakdown by Tesla Model
Your charging cost depends on three factors: your Tesla model's battery size, your local electricity rate, and how much you drive. Here's what you can expect to pay.
Model 3 / Model Y
Model S / Model X
Note: These estimates use $0.16/kWh, the U.S. average residential rate. Your actual cost depends on your local utility rates.
Real-World Example
Sarah's Model Y Long Range
Situation: Sarah drives 40 miles daily (1,200 miles/month) for her commute. She charges at home overnight using a Level 2 charger.
Monthly Calculation:
- • Energy used: 1,200 miles × 0.28 kWh/mile = 336 kWh
- • Electricity rate: $0.14/kWh (off-peak)
- • Monthly cost: 336 kWh × $0.14 = $47.04
- • Savings vs gas: $120/month (gas car would cost $167)
How to Calculate Your Cost
Follow these steps to estimate your monthly charging cost:
Find your electricity rate
Check your electric bill for the $/kWh rate. Look for "Energy Charge" or "Supply Charge." If you have Time-of-Use pricing, use your off-peak rate.
Calculate monthly energy use
Multiply your monthly miles by your Tesla's efficiency (0.24-0.30 kWh/mile). Model 3: 0.24-0.26, Model Y: 0.27-0.28, Model S/X: 0.29-0.30.
Multiply to get your cost
Monthly kWh × $/kWh = Monthly charging cost. Add 10-15% for charging losses (heat, battery management).
5 Ways to Reduce Charging Costs
Switch to Time-of-Use rates
Save 40-60% by charging overnight. Many utilities offer EV-specific plans with rates as low as $0.07-0.10/kWh during off-peak hours.
Set charging schedule in Tesla app
Schedule charging to start during off-peak hours automatically. The car will be ready by morning without you thinking about it.
Charge to 80% daily, not 100%
You'll use less energy and extend battery life. Only charge to 100% before long trips.
Use regenerative braking
Set to 'Standard' mode to recapture energy when slowing down. This can reduce energy consumption by 10-15% in city driving.
Precondition while plugged in
Heat or cool the cabin while charging instead of using battery power. This saves 2-5 kWh per session in extreme weather.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not checking for EV-specific utility plans
Fix: Call your utility and ask about EV rates. Many offer special plans that can cut costs by 50%.
Charging during peak hours
Fix: Peak rates can be 2-3x higher. Always schedule charging for off-peak times (usually 9 PM - 7 AM).
Using only the included Mobile Connector
Fix: Level 1 (110V) charging is inefficient. Install a Level 2 (240V) charger for 90%+ efficiency and faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
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