After introducing the Roadster sports car in 2008, Tesla took the electric vehicle (EV) race by storm. Since then, the company has set the pace for EV innovation, pricing, charging protocols, and more. Tesla cars continue to have some of the longest battery ranges and fastest charging speeds on the market.
In the early days of Tesla ownership, there were free Supercharging stations for all owners. While some Tesla owners can still earn free charging time, most will have to pay for the service. To find out how much it costs to charge a Tesla, let’s check out the costs of private and public charging stations as well as some factors that can affect the price.
The origin of free Tesla charging
Model S, Tesla’s all-electric sedan, which was originally codenamed “WhiteStar” but has now been called the Model S by consumers. When Tesla announced its revolutionary new electric car technology, many experts praised it, but they also asked probing questions, such as: How would you charge it? How long would it take to charge? Where would you charge it? How much would Tesla charging cost?
Initially, Tesla’s answers were surprising. In a 2012 press release, the company announced the Supercharging network for its Model S. Boasting low costs and renewable energy sources, Tesla committed to offering its drivers free Supercharger time for as long as they wanted.
It is unfortunate that Tesla’s free charging policy did not last forever. Over the years, Tesla’s policy has changed, but its current business model is based on loyalty and referrals. In exchange for free Supercharging miles or other Tesla products, you or someone you refer to can earn points that can be redeemed for cars or other Tesla products.
You can find current details on Tesla’s referral and loyalty programs on its website. You may be eligible to earn free charging miles if you buy a Tesla model or solar panel or refer a friend to one. The free lifetime charging feature of the Model S or Model X vehicle may still apply to drivers who purchased the vehicle in 2017 or earlier.
Breaking down Tesla charging stations cost
The majority of Tesla drivers now have to pay to charge their cars, the same as other EV drivers do. To get a better sense of how much charging a Tesla costs, it’s helpful to break it down into two categories: public EV charging stations and home EV charging stations.
Tesla public charging
Electric vehicle networks include Tesla Superchargers, which look like futuristic gas pumps and can supply renewable energy to vehicles at 350 kilowatts (kW). Tesla will charge either per hour or per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Per kilowatt-hour
Customers are charged based on the amount of electricity they use with this method, which is Tesla’s default payment method. EV charging rates vary depending on the location and price of electricity in your market. According to the current national average, public EV charging rates are 13.11 cents per kWh as of July 2023.
The national average rate for charging your Tesla is $7.47, but it can vary based on the battery capacity of your Tesla. Tesla battery capacities range from 57 kWh to 95 kWh, so a full charge could cost you between $7.47 and $12.45.
It is important to note that this represents a significant savings over refueling a car, which typically holds 12 to 15 gallons of gas. At today’s per gallon average gasoline price of $3.86, that would add up to a refueling cost between $46.32 and $57.90.
Billing/minute
As charging speeds change, Tesla’s billing-per-minute model accounts for changes in charging speed, instead of billing at kW per hour:
- Tier 1: When charging at 60 kW or less, the lowest charging speed and rate per minute are required
- Tier 2: In the range of 60kW to 100kW
- Tier 3: A 100kW to 180kW charging range
- Tier 4: Using 180 kW of electricity, and charging at the highest rate per minute
Depending on the charging demand, each tier is priced differently.
When you leave your vehicle parked after it is fully charged, Tesla may also charge you an idle fee. For cars that idle when the station is more than 50% full, Tesla charges 50 cents per minute. If the station is completely full, the charge doubles to $1 per minute. See Tesla’s website for more information about Idle Fees in different countries.
Tesla home charging costs
Due to the fact that this will save owners money and keep the Tesla charging station available for drivers who are urgently in need of a charge, Tesla recommends that owners charge mostly at home. If you choose this option, charging a Tesla costs based on the price of electricity in your area.
If you were to fully recharge the Tesla battery during the above-mentioned capacity range of 57 kWh to 95 kWh and went with the national average home electricity rate of 15.91 cents per kWh, it would cost between $9.07 and $15.11 to fully charge your home.
Here are some sample charges for charging your Tesla at home (by June 2023):
- California: 29.58¢/kW which leads to a full charge of $16.86–$28.10
- Colorado: 14.22¢/kW which leads to a full charge of $8.12–$13.51
- Hawaii: 40.22¢/kW which leads to a full charge of $22.93–$38.21
- Massachusetts: 27.46¢/kW which leads to a full charge of $15.65–$26.09
- Nevada: 16.35¢/kW which leads to a full charge of $9.32–$15.53
- New York: 22.27¢/kW which leads to a full charge of $12.69–$21.16
- Oregon: 13.12¢/kW which leads to a full charge of $7.48–$12.46
- Washington – 11.16¢/kW which leads to a full charge of $6.36–$10.60
Time-of-use rates and special incentives for charging your electric vehicle may also be available depending on your electricity utility and location. The majority of utilities offer overnight discounts or even free electricity, so you may be able to charge your Tesla at home for free or at a great discount if you take advantage of this type of incentive.
People Also Ask
1. How much is it to charge a Tesla at a charging station?
The cost to charge a Tesla at a public charging station varies depending on location, charging speed (Supercharger, Level 2, etc.), and the local electricity rates. At Tesla Superchargers in the U.S., it typically ranges from $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh. Charging a Tesla from 0% to 100% can cost between $10 and $30, depending on the model and how much electricity is used.
2. How much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla in Canada?
In Canada, Tesla charging costs are similar to the U.S., but adjusted for local electricity prices. Charging a Tesla at home costs approximately $0.13 to $0.15 per kWh, depending on the province. For a Tesla Model 3 with a 50 kWh battery, this would cost around $7 to $9 for a full charge. Supercharger costs may vary but are often around $0.25 to $0.35 per kWh.
3. Is it cheaper to charge Tesla at home?
Yes, it is usually cheaper to charge your Tesla at home compared to public charging stations. Home electricity rates are typically lower than the rates at Superchargers or other public stations. Charging at home can cost about 50% less than at a Supercharger, making it more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you charge during off-peak hours.
4. Can I charge my Tesla for free?
Tesla used to offer free unlimited Supercharging for some of its older models (e.g., certain Model S and Model X vehicles), but this offer has mostly been phased out. However, free charging may still be available at select public chargers, at some workplace or hotel chargers, and through referral programs depending on the location. Most Tesla owners now pay for Supercharging.
