Charging a Tesla costs less than fueling a gas car, but the exact amount depends on where and how it’s charged. On average, a full charge at home ranges from about $9 to $15, while using a Supercharger can cost between $15 and $30. Monthly costs usually fall between $40 and $60 for typical driving habits, though higher mileage or larger battery packs can push that number higher.
The difference between charging at home and at public stations matters. Home charging is usually the cheapest option, while Superchargers trade higher prices for speed and convenience. Location, electricity rates, and Tesla model all play a role in the final cost, so no two owners will see the exact same bill.
Knowing these numbers helps set realistic expectations for owning an electric car. Whether someone drives a Model 3 or a Model X, the cost of charging stays predictable compared to fluctuating fuel prices.
How Much It Costs to Charge a Tesla
One of the biggest perks of owning a Tesla is saving money on fuel. But how much does it really cost to charge? The answer depends on your Tesla model, your electricity rates, and whether you charge at home or use Tesla’s Supercharger network.
🔹 1. Charging at Home
Most Tesla owners charge at home overnight, which is usually the cheapest option.
- Average U.S. residential electricity rate (2025): ~16¢ per kWh
- Tesla battery size range: 50 kWh (Model 3 Standard) → 100 kWh (Model S/X Long Range, Model X Plaid)
- Home charging cost for a full charge: ~$8 – $16 depending on model
👉 Best for: Daily charging, lowest cost, and maximum convenience.
🔹 2. Using Tesla Superchargers
Superchargers are fast but more expensive than home charging.
- Average Supercharger rate (2025): 30¢ – 40¢ per kWh (varies by location & time of day)
- Typical cost for a full charge: $20 – $40 depending on model
- Cost per mile: ~7¢ – 12¢ (still cheaper than gas-powered cars, which average 15¢ – 20¢ per mile in fuel).
👉 Best for: Road trips or when you can’t charge at home.
🔹 3. Tesla Charging Cost by Model (2025 Estimates)
| Tesla Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Home Charging Cost (16¢/kWh) | Supercharger Cost (35¢/kWh avg.) | Estimated Range | Cost per 100 Miles (Home vs. Supercharger) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 RWD | 57.5 kWh | ~$9.20 | ~$20.10 | ~272 miles | $3.40 vs. $7.40 |
| Model 3 Long Range | 82 kWh | ~$13.10 | ~$28.70 | ~341 miles | $3.80 vs. $8.40 |
| Model Y Long Range | 82 kWh | ~$13.10 | ~$28.70 | ~330 miles | $4.00 vs. $8.70 |
| Model S Long Range | 100 kWh | ~$16.00 | ~$35.00 | ~405 miles | $4.00 vs. $8.60 |
| Model X Long Range | 100 kWh | ~$16.00 | ~$35.00 | ~348 miles | $4.60 vs. $10.00 |
| Cybertruck AWD (est.) | 123 kWh | ~$19.70 | ~$43.00 | ~340 miles | $5.80 vs. $12.60 |
🔹 4. Cost Comparison: Tesla vs. Gas
- Tesla (home charging): ~$4 per 100 miles
- Tesla (Supercharger): ~$8–10 per 100 miles
- Gas car (25 mpg @ $3.50/gal): ~$14 per 100 miles
👉 Even at the higher Supercharger rates, Teslas are still about 30–40% cheaper per mile than gas vehicles.
✅ Bottom Line
- Home charging is the cheapest way to run a Tesla (~$8–16 for a full charge).
- Superchargers cost more but are still cheaper than gas.
- Over the long run, Tesla owners save thousands compared to fueling a gas-powered car.
Key Takeaways
- Charging a Tesla usually costs $9–$30 for a full charge
- Monthly charging costs often range from $40–$60
- Costs vary by model, charging method, and electricity rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Charging costs depend on where the car is charged, the Tesla model, and local electricity rates. Home charging is usually cheaper, while Superchargers offer speed but often at a higher price.
What is the average monthly cost to charge a Tesla at home?
Most owners spend between $40 and $60 per month charging at home. The amount depends on how much they drive and the local price per kilowatt-hour. Drivers who use solar panels can reduce this cost further.
What are the costs associated with charging a Tesla Model Y?
A full charge for a Model Y at home usually costs around $13 to $15 with average U.S. electricity rates. At a Supercharger, the same charge can cost closer to $20 to $30, depending on location and time of day.
How does the cost to charge a Tesla at a Supercharger compare to home charging?
Home charging averages $0.15 per kWh, while Superchargers often range from $0.25 to $0.60 per kWh. This means charging at home can be up to 50% cheaper than using a Supercharger.
Can you estimate the cost of a road trip with a Tesla using Superchargers?
A 1,000-mile trip may cost $100 to $150 in Supercharger fees, depending on the car model and charging rates along the route. The exact cost varies by state and time of day.
How long does it take to fully charge a Tesla, and what does that cost?
A Level 2 home charger usually takes 8 to 12 hours for a full charge at a cost of $8 to $15. A Supercharger can charge most Teslas to 80% in about 20 to 40 minutes, costing $15 to $30.
Is there a tool to calculate the cost of charging a Tesla?
Yes. Tesla offers an online charging cost calculator that uses model type, battery size, and local electricity rates to estimate costs. Other EV calculators from third parties provide similar estimates.
