One of the biggest perks of owning a Tesla is leaving gas stations behind, but how much does it actually cost to charge your Tesla at a public charging station? Whether you’re topping off at a Tesla Supercharger or a third-party station, we’ll break it all down for you!
Charging at Tesla Superchargers
Tesla’s Supercharger network is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to charge your car on the go. Here’s what you can expect:
- Cost Per kWh:
Tesla Supercharger rates vary by location but generally range from $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh. - Example Costs by Model:
- Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range):
- Battery Size: ~50 kWh
- Cost for Full Charge: $12.50–$25.00
- Tesla Model Y (Long Range):
- Battery Size: ~75 kWh
- Cost for Full Charge: $18.75–$37.50
- Tesla Model S (Plaid):
- Battery Size: ~100 kWh
- Cost for Full Charge: $25.00–$50.00
- Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range):
- Partial Charging:
Most Tesla drivers don’t wait for a full charge at a station. For a quick top-up (adding 150 miles), it typically costs $10–$15 depending on the model and local rates.
Other Public Charging Stations
Third-party charging stations like EVgo, ChargePoint, or Electrify America also support Tesla vehicles (with the right adapter). Prices can vary:
- By kWh: Many stations charge around $0.30–$0.50 per kWh, similar to Tesla’s Superchargers.
- By Time: Some stations charge by time, averaging $1.50–$2.00 per hour.
Charging at Home vs. Charging Stations
To put things in perspective:
- Home Charging: Costs about $0.13 per kWh on average in the U.S., making it the most affordable option.
- Example: Charging a Tesla Model Y’s 75 kWh battery at home would cost $9.75.
- Public Charging: While more expensive, it’s all about convenience, especially for road trips or if you lack access to a home charger.
Free Charging Options
- Destination Chargers: Tesla partners with hotels, restaurants, and malls to provide free or low-cost charging for patrons.
- Legacy Free Supercharging: Some older Tesla models come with lifetime free Supercharging (lucky owners!).
Pro Tips to Save on Charging
- Charge at Off-Peak Hours: Some Superchargers offer discounted rates during off-peak times.
- Plan Ahead: Use the Tesla app to locate the cheapest and fastest chargers along your route.
- Optimize Charging Stops: Only charge what you need to reach your destination or the next charging stop to save time and money.
Final Thoughts
Charging your Tesla at a station typically costs less than filling up a gas tank, but the price varies depending on your location, Tesla model, and whether you’re using a Tesla Supercharger or a third-party charger. While public charging is great for convenience, home charging remains the most economical option for daily use.
