The cost to charge a Tesla depends on the model, battery size, and electricity rates, as well as whether you charge at home or use a Tesla Supercharger. Here’s a general overview:
1. Charging at Home
- Electricity Rates: Average U.S. residential electricity rates are around $0.13 per kWh, though this varies by region.
- Model-Specific Costs:
- Model 3 (with a 50 kWh battery) typically costs around $6.50 for a full charge.
- Model S or Model X (75-100 kWh batteries) costs approximately $9.75 to $13 for a full charge.
- Average Cost Per Mile: Charging at home usually costs about $0.04 to $0.05 per mile, depending on your local electricity rate.
2. Using Tesla Superchargers
- Cost Per kWh: Tesla Superchargers generally cost between $0.25 and $0.50 per kWh, depending on location.
- Full Charge Cost: For a Model 3, a full charge at a Supercharger can be around $12 to $25. For larger batteries, it could range from $20 to $50.
- Convenience Fee: Supercharging is typically more expensive per kWh than home charging due to convenience and rapid charging speeds.
3. Annual Charging Cost Estimate
- For average drivers traveling around 12,000 miles per year, the annual cost for home charging is roughly $500 to $600. Supercharging exclusively could increase this to $1,000 or more.
Charging at home remains the most economical option, while Superchargers provide convenience for longer trips and quick top-ups.