The Short Answer
Charging a Tesla costs between $5 and $25 to go from 20% to 80%, depending on where you charge. That’s roughly $30–$120 per month for average driving.
Home Charging (Level 2)
- Average US rate: $0.16/kWh
- Cost per mile: ~$0.04–$0.05
- Monthly cost (1,000 miles): ~$40–$50
- Equivalent gas cost: ~$130–$160/month
Pro tip: Many utilities offer off-peak rates ($0.08–$0.12/kWh). Schedule overnight charging for 30–50% more savings.
Tesla Superchargers
- Average rate: $0.35–$0.50/kWh
- A typical 20%→80% charge: $12–$22
- 2–3x more expensive than home but still cheaper than gas
Public Level 2 Chargers
- Rate: $0.20–$0.40/kWh
- Speed: 20–30 miles of range per hour
- Many workplaces offer free Level 2 as a perk
Annual Cost Comparison (12,000 miles, Model Y LR)
- 100% home charging: ~$520/year
- 80% home / 20% Supercharger: ~$650/year
- 100% Supercharger: ~$1,400/year
- Equivalent gas vehicle (30 MPG): ~$1,900/year
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