What you pay to charge a Tesla depends on your electricity rate, the charger you use, and whether you're at home or using a public network

Charging a Tesla at home on a standard outlet costs roughly $0.03 to $0.05 per mile of range, while a dedicated home charger (Level 2) costs $0.02 to $0.04 per mile. Public fast chargers (DC fast charging) typically cost $0.20 to $0.35 per mile, though some networks charge by the minute instead of kilowatt-hour. Your actual cost depends on three things: your local electricity rate, which Tesla model you own, and how efficiently that model converts electricity into range.

The math is straightforward once you know your electricity rate. Find your rate on your power bill (measured in cents per kilowatt-hour, or kWh). A Tesla Model 3 uses roughly 25 kWh to travel 100 miles. Multiply your rate by 0.25, and you have your cost per 100 miles. A Model Y uses slightly more energy; a Model S uses more still. If you pay 14 cents per kWh and own a Model 3, charging 100 miles costs about $3.50.

Key Takeaways

  • Home charging on a Level 2 charger costs $0.02 to $0.04 per mile in most of the United States, depending on your local electricity rate.
  • Public DC fast chargers cost $0.20 to $0.35 per mile, making them roughly five to ten times more expensive than home charging.
  • Your actual cost per mile depends on your electricity rate, your Tesla model, and the charger type — not on any fixed national average.
  • Charging overnight on a home charger is almost always cheaper than using public chargers, even in states with high electricity rates.

Home charging costs on a Level 2 charger

A Level 2 charger installed at your home is the cheapest way to charge a Tesla over time. These chargers draw 240 volts (the same circuit as an electric dryer) and add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. The cost to operate one is straightforward your electricity rate times the energy used. If you pay 12 cents per kWh and own a Model 3, a full charge from empty costs about $3.00 and takes eight to ten hours.

Installation of a Level 2 charger at home typically costs $500 to $2,500 depending on your electrical panel, the distance from the panel to where you park, and your electrician's local rates. Some utilities offer rebates that cover part of this cost. Once installed, the charger itself has no monthly fee — you pay only for the electricity it uses. Over five years, home charging is far cheaper than public charging, even accounting for installation.

Time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates, offered by many utilities, can lower your charging cost further. These rates charge less during off-peak hours, typically late evening through early morning. If your utility offers TOU rates and you charge overnight, you may pay 8 to 10 cents per kWh instead of 14 to 16 cents. Charging a Model 3 during off-peak hours in a TOU area can cost $2.00 to $2.50 for a full charge.

Public DC fast charging costs

DC fast chargers are the chargers you use on road trips or when you need range quickly. They add 150 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes. Tesla's Supercharger network is the largest, but other networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and Ionity also serve Tesla owners (with an adapter). Costs vary by network and location.

Tesla Superchargers typically charge $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh, though some locations charge by the minute instead. At $0.35 per kWh, a Model 3 charging from 10% to 80% (the typical fast-charge window) costs about $18 to $22. Electrify America and EVgo generally charge $0.30 to $0.45 per kWh. Pricing is higher in urban areas and lower in rural regions. Some networks offer monthly memberships that reduce the per-kWh rate by 10% to 20%, which makes sense if you use public chargers weekly.

Charging speed slows as the battery fills, so the last 10% of charge takes much longer and costs more per mile. Most owners charge to 80% and leave, which is faster and cheaper than topping off completely. If you charge to 100%, expect to pay 20% to 30% more for that final portion.

Charging on a standard 120-volt outlet

A standard household outlet (120 volts) adds only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour. Charging a Model 3 from empty to full takes 40 to 50 hours. This method is impractical for regular use but works if you have a long driveway and charge overnight several nights in a row. The cost per mile is similar to Level 2 charging because you're using the same electricity rate — you're just using it much more slowly.

Most Tesla owners who rely on 120-volt charging do so because they rent or cannot install a Level 2 charger. If this is your situation, charging overnight and leaving the car plugged in during the day is the most practical approach. You'll add 15 to 20 miles per day, which covers most daily driving for many people.

How electricity rates affect your total cost

Your state and utility determine your electricity rate, which is the single biggest factor in home charging cost. Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas have rates around 10 to 11 cents per kWh. California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii pay 18 to 25 cents per kWh. A Model 3 owner in Louisiana pays roughly $2.50 for a full charge; the same owner in Hawaii pays roughly $5.50. Over a year of daily charging, that difference adds up to $1,000 or more.

Rates also vary by season and time of day within the same utility. Winter rates are often higher because demand peaks. Summer rates may be lower or higher depending on whether your region relies on air conditioning. Checking your power bill for your actual rate is more accurate than using a national average.

Comparing home charging to public charging over time

A Tesla Model 3 driven 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $300 to $400 per year to charge at home (at 14 cents per kWh). The same car charged entirely on public DC fast chargers costs $2,400 to $4,200 per year. Even accounting for a $1,500 Level 2 charger installation, home charging saves $1,500 to $2,500 annually.

Public chargers make sense for road trips and emergencies, but relying on them for daily charging is expensive. If you own a Tesla and drive regularly, installing a home charger pays for itself in less than a year for most owners. If you rent or cannot install a charger, charging on a 120-volt outlet overnight is cheaper than public charging, though slower.

Membership plans and subscription options

Tesla Supercharger membership is not required — you pay per charge. However, some third-party networks offer monthly memberships. Electrify America's membership costs $4 to $14 per month and reduces per-kWh rates by 10% to 20%. EVgo offers similar plans. These memberships make sense only if you use public chargers at least twice weekly.

Some employers and apartment complexes offer free or discounted charging to residents or employees. If your workplace has chargers, charging there during the day is often free or very cheap. Check with your employer and landlord before paying for a home charger or relying on public networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model Y or Model S?

A Model Y uses roughly 27 kWh per 100 miles, about 8% more than a Model 3. A Model S uses roughly 30 kWh per 100 miles. At 14 cents per kWh, a Model Y full charge costs about $3.80 and a Model S costs about $4.20. Public fast charging costs scale the same way — roughly 8% to 20% more than a Model 3.

Do Tesla Superchargers cost extra if I own a non-Tesla EV?

Non-Tesla owners can use Superchargers with an adapter but typically pay more per kWh than Tesla owners. Rates vary by location and network. Check the Supercharger app for current pricing before you charge.

Is it cheaper to charge during off-peak hours?

Yes, if your utility offers time-of-use rates. Off-peak hours typically run from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and cost 20% to 40% less than peak rates. Charging overnight on a Level 2 charger during off-peak hours is the cheapest way to charge a Tesla.

What's the difference between paying per kWh and paying per minute at a public charger?

Per-kWh pricing charges you for energy used, which is fair if charging is fast and consistent. Per-minute pricing charges you for time, which penalizes slow charging (common when the battery is nearly full). For most road trips, per-kWh pricing is cheaper. Compare both before choosing a network.

Does charging speed affect the total cost?

No. Whether you charge slowly on 120 volts or quickly on a DC fast charger, the total energy used (and thus the total cost) is the same. Faster charging just costs more per minute because you're using more power at once, but the per-mile cost is determined by your electricity rate and your car's efficiency.