Tesla Charging Cost Calculator
Calculate how much it costs to charge your Tesla at home or at a Supercharger station.
How It Works:
This calculator estimates your charging costs based on your Tesla model's efficiency, electricity rates, and the amount of energy added during charging.
Check your electricity bill for the rate. US average is about $0.15/kWh.
Rates vary by location, generally ranging from $0.25 to $0.50/kWh.
Select a Tesla model to see battery capacity
Home charging typically has 85-90% efficiency due to heat loss.
Home: 7.7kW (32A) or 11.5kW (48A). Supercharger: 150-250kW.
Charging Cost Estimate
Estimated Charging Time
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Understanding Tesla Charging Costs
Charging your Tesla is significantly more cost-effective than refueling a gas vehicle, but the exact costs depend on several factors. This calculator helps you estimate these costs based on your specific situation.
Home Charging vs. Supercharging
Home charging is typically the most economical option for daily use, while Superchargers are designed primarily for long-distance travel. Here's how they compare:
Home Charging
- Lower electricity rates (US average: $0.15/kWh)
- Slower charging speeds (typically 7.7-11.5 kW)
- Great for overnight charging
- Initial investment in home charging equipment
Supercharging
- Higher rates ($0.25-$0.50/kWh, location dependent)
- Much faster charging speeds (up to 250 kW)
- Ideal for road trips and emergency charging
- No equipment investment needed
Factors Affecting Charging Costs
- Electricity Rate: The cost per kilowatt-hour you pay, which varies by location, time of day, and provider.
- Battery Capacity: Different Tesla models have different size batteries, affecting total charging cost.
- Starting and Ending Charge: Charging from 20% to 80% requires less energy than charging from 0% to 100%.
- Charging Efficiency: Some energy is lost as heat during charging (typically 10-15% for home charging).
- Temperature: Cold weather can temporarily reduce battery capacity and efficiency.
Battery Capacities of Tesla Models
| Model | Battery Capacity (kWh) | Approximate Range (miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Standard Range | 60 | 272 |
| Model 3 Long Range | 75 | 358 |
| Model Y Standard Range | 60 | 260 |
| Model Y Long Range | 75 | 330 |
| Model S Long Range | 100 | 405 |
| Model S Long Range | 100 | 405 |
| Model S Plaid | 100 | 396 |
| Model X Long Range | 100 | 360 |
| Model X Plaid | 100 | 340 |
| Cybertruck AWD | 123 | 340 |
| Cybertruck Cyberbeast | 123 | 320 |
Tips for Optimizing Charging Costs
- Charge during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use rates
- Limit charging to 80-90% for daily use to extend battery life
- Consider solar panels for the most cost-effective and sustainable charging
- Plan long trips around Supercharger locations
- Precondition your battery before Supercharging in cold weather
- Check for free charging options at workplaces, hotels, and some retail locations
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla at home?
The cost depends on your electricity rate and vehicle model. For example, fully charging a Model 3 Long Range (75 kWh battery) at the US average rate of $0.15/kWh would cost approximately $11.25. However, you rarely need to charge from 0% to 100%, so daily charging costs are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to charge a Tesla at home or at a Supercharger?
Home charging is almost always cheaper than Supercharging. Supercharger rates typically range from $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh depending on location, compared to the US average home electricity rate of about $0.15 per kWh. However, Superchargers offer the convenience of much faster charging when traveling.
How long does it take to charge a Tesla?
Charging times vary widely depending on the charging method:
- Standard 120V outlet: 3-5 miles of range per hour
- Wall Connector (240V): Up to 44 miles of range per hour
- Supercharger: Up to 200 miles in 15 minutes (V3 Supercharger)
Why does the charging efficiency matter?
Not all electricity drawn from your wall outlet makes it into the battery. Some energy is lost as heat during the charging process. Home charging typically has 85-90% efficiency, meaning if you need 50 kWh of battery capacity, you'll actually use about 55-59 kWh of electricity from your home.
Should I charge my Tesla to 100% every day?
Tesla recommends keeping your daily charging between 20% and 80% to maximize battery longevity. You should only charge to 100% when you need the full range for a longer trip. The battery management system is designed to work optimally in this range for daily use.