The cost of charging your Tesla will depend on several factors, including how much you drive, your local electricity rates, and how you charge your vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of how much you can expect your electric bill to increase:
1. Average Cost to Charge a Tesla
On average, charging a Tesla at home costs between $10 and $15 per 100 miles driven, depending on your local electricity rates and the model of Tesla you own. Here’s a more detailed estimate:
- Cost per kWh: The average electricity rate in the U.S. is about $0.13 per kWh. Tesla vehicles typically consume between 24 to 30 kWh per 100 miles, depending on the model.
- For example, a Tesla Model 3 might consume about 24 kWh per 100 miles, while a Tesla Model X could consume closer to 30 kWh per 100 miles.
- Charging to Full: To fully charge a Tesla (depending on the battery size), you might be looking at a cost of anywhere from $15 to $25 for a full charge if you’re starting from near zero.
2. Monthly Impact
The total monthly increase in your electric bill will depend on how much you drive:
- Low Mileage (500 miles per month): For someone who drives about 500 miles a month, the cost would range from $50 to $75 per month. This assumes a cost of about $0.15 per mile.
- Moderate Mileage (1,000 miles per month): If you’re driving 1,000 miles a month, the cost could increase to around $100 to $150 per month.
- High Mileage (2,000 miles per month): For those driving long distances, like 2,000 miles a month, you might expect a bill increase of $200 to $300.
3. Additional Factors
- Time of Charging: Many utility companies offer off-peak rates, which are typically lower during the night or early morning hours. If you charge your Tesla during off-peak hours, you may be able to save money.
- Charging Efficiency: Charging via a Tesla Wall Connector at home will be more efficient than using a regular 110V outlet. A Wall Connector can reduce charging times and optimize energy usage, but it may require a higher upfront cost to install.
4. Supercharging Costs
If you frequently use Tesla Superchargers, the cost of charging will vary depending on the location, with rates typically between $0.25 and $0.35 per kWh. Superchargers are useful for road trips, but they are generally more expensive than home charging.
5. Solar Power Considerations
If you have a solar panel system installed, you may be able to offset the cost of charging your Tesla by generating your own electricity. In that case, your Tesla’s charging cost could be significantly reduced or even free depending on how much sunlight you get and your system’s capacity.
Conclusion
Charging a Tesla at home will generally increase your electric bill by around $50 to $300 per month, depending on how much you drive and local electricity rates. For most Tesla owners, the increase is comparable to the cost of gasoline for a traditional vehicle, with the added benefit of reduced maintenance and fewer fuel-related concerns.
