Updated 1 week ago
How Much Does it Cost to Charge a Tesla in 2025?
Written by Jamie Smith Jamie SmithJamie is a Content Writer and researcher at SolarReviews. A recent graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, Jamie earned her B.S. in communica...Learn more , Edited by Catherine Lane Catherine LaneCatherine has been researching and reporting on the solar industry for five years and is the Written Content Manager at SolarReviews. She leads a dyna...Learn more

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Key takeaways
The average cost to fully charge a Tesla at home in 2025 is between $10.98 and $18.00.
The actual cost to charge your Tesla will vary depending on where you live, local electric rates, what Tesla model you own, and your driving habits.
When you’re on the go, you can charge your Tesla at a public charging station, but it can cost upwards of $70 after fees.
Charging your Tesla with solar panels is the most cost-effective way to charge, costing about $0.06 per kWh.
You can save over $150 per month or about $1,800 annually by switching to a Tesla.
In 2025, it costs between $10.98 and $18.00 to fully charge your Tesla at home, depending on a few factors. In most cases, charging a Tesla’s battery will be cheaper than filling up a car’s gas tank, with the potential to slash your fuel costs in half.
Charging on the go at a public charging station can get a bit pricier with the high rates and fees associated with public charging. Using a Tesla Supercharger could cost more than a gas bill in some cases – so it’s best to take advantage of at-home charging.
The most cost-effective way to charge your Tesla is using solar power. For all three charging methods, we break down the costs associated with each Tesla model – so you don’t have to!
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla at home?
On average, it will cost between $10.98 and $18.00 to fully charge a Tesla at home in 2025, depending on the model. You will need anywhere from 75 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 123 kWh to fully charge a Tesla.
Each Tesla model is a bit different in terms of battery capacity and range, which impacts the charging cost. The sizes range from 75 kWh to the Cybertruck’s large 123 kWh battery. The table below shows the average cost to charge each Tesla model at home:
Tesla model | Battery capacity | Est. charging cost* |
---|---|---|
Model X | 100 kWh | $14.63 |
Model X Plaid | 100 kWh | $14.63 |
Model 3 Performance | 82 kWh | $12.00 |
Model 3 Long Range AWD | 82 kWh | $12.00 |
Model 3 Long Range RWD | 82 kWh | $12.00 |
Model S | 100 kWh | $14.63 |
Model S Plaid | 100 kWh | $14.63 |
Model Y Performance | 75 kWh | $10.98 |
Model Y Long Range AWD | 75 kWh | $10.98 |
Model Y Long Range RWD | 75 kWh | $10.98 |
Model Y Launch Series Long Range AWD | 75 kWh | $10.98 |
Cybertruck | 123 kWh | $18.00 |
*Assumes 90% charging efficiency and the average U.S. electric rate
EV chargers are not 100% efficient. You’ll need a few extra kilowatt-hours to get a completely full charge. Our calculations assume 90% charging efficiency, but it will vary with the exact charger you use. It is recommended to charge a Tesla EV at home with a Level 2 charger to keep costs low and maintain your car’s battery health.
How much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla at a charging station?
The cost to fully charge a Tesla with a Supercharger can range from $17.81 to over $70, depending on the rates and fees at the Supercharger station. Superchargers have rates between $0.25 and $0.60 and vary with location.
The chart below estimates what you can expect to pay to use a Tesla Supercharger for each Tesla model, before any fees:
Tesla model | Battery capacity | Est. cost (before fees)* |
---|---|---|
Model X | 100 kWh | $23.75 - $57.00 |
Model X Plaid | 100 kWh | $23.75 - $57.00 |
Model 3 Performance | 82 kWh | $19.48 - $46.74 |
Model 3 Long Range AWD | 82 kWh | $19.48 - $46.74 |
Model 3 Long Range RWD | 82 kWh | $19.48 - $46.74 |
Model S | 100 kWh | $23.75 - $57.00 |
Model S Plaid | 100 kWh | $23.75 - $57.00 |
Model Y Performance | 75 kWh | $17.81 - $42.75 |
Model Y Long Range AWD | 75 kWh | $17.81 - $42.75 |
Model Y Long Range RWD | 75 kWh | $17.81 - $42.75 |
Model Y Launch Series Long Range AWD | 75 kWh | $17.81 - $42.75 |
Cybertruck | 123 kWh | $29.22 - $70.12 |
*assumes 95% charging efficiency, not including fees
Using a home charger to fuel your EV is more cost-efficient and convenient, but on longer road trips away from home, you might need to use a public charging station.
Tesla has its own branded charging stations called Tesla Superchargers. With over 60,000 stations in its charging network, you can easily find one using the Tesla app.
At these stations, the prices to charge your car fluctuate depending on the time of day and area you’re in. Tesla owners on Reddit have reported seeing prices as low as $0.25 per kWh to as high as $0.60 per kWh in the last year.
Superchargers are DC fast chargers that directly charge the car’s battery with DC current, which drastically reduces charge times, adding 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes, making them a great option for road trips.
You can charge a Tesla at other charging stations, such as ChargePoint or EVgo chargers, as long as you have an appropriate adapter.
Public charging stations typically come with additional fees. Tesla Supercharger stations have an idle fee of $1.00 per minute for when you leave your Tesla charging after it reaches a certain battery percentage. Select locations also charge a $1.00 per minute congestion fee when the charging site is busy.
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla per month?
You can expect to spend between $39 and $57 each month to charge your Tesla at home, depending on the model you own.The Tesla Cybertruck costs more to charge, with monthly charging costs between $65 and $73. This falls in line with the average cost of charging an electric car.
When you own a Tesla – or any other electric car – you are essentially swapping out the monthly cost of filling up your car with gas with a slightly higher electric bill from charging your vehicle.
4 factors that affect the cost to charge a Tesla
It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact number for the cost to charge a Tesla because different factors can affect the price, including:
Local electricity rates
Location
Tesla model
Lifestyle and driving habits
Electricity rates

Electricity rates vary quite a bit between states, so where you live impacts how much you’re going to pay to charge your Tesla EV.
According to the Energy Information Association, the average cost of electricity in the U.S. is about $0.16 per kWh. But some states, like Connecticut, have electric rates that are nearly double that price!
So, it will cost more to charge a Tesla in states like Hawaii, California, and Massachusetts, where electricity rates are high. On the other hand, it will cost less to charge a Tesla in places with lower utility rates.
Use time-of-use rates to your advantage. If your utility uses time-of-use (TOU) rates for billing, consider charging your Tesla during off-peak hours when electric rates are the lowest. Off-peak hours usually span overnight, so plug your Tesla in before bed to wake up with a full battery and spend less. Some utility companies even offer special EV charging rate plans.
Location
Climate and environment can also have an impact on how much it costs to charge a Tesla. When it gets cold, your Tesla’s battery won’t hold a charge as well. If you live in a state with long, harsh winters – you might need to charge your Tesla more often.
Also, the terrain and types of roads you’re driving on will play a role in how much energy you use from your Tesla’s battery. Uphill driving or sitting in stop-and-go traffic can drain your battery faster.
Tesla model
Tesla offers different models that vary in battery sizes and driving range, which impacts how often you need to charge, how long that charge will last, and how much it costs. EVs with larger batteries will last longer, but they’ll cost a bit more to fully charge.
For example, Tesla’s Cybertruck has the largest battery at 123 kWh and will cost about $18.00 to fully charge. Meanwhile, a Model Y has a smaller 75 kWh battery and will cost around $10.98 to fully charge.
Your lifestyle and driving habits
How often you drive is also a factor for Tesla owners to consider.
Just like with a gas car, if you have a short commute to work and run errands locally, you won’t have to spend as much to fill up your car. But if you have a long commute or regularly take road trips, you’ll have to charge your Tesla’s EV battery more often!
The features you use in your Tesla can also play a role. Do you have the air conditioning on full blast? Are you using the seat heaters? If so, you may see your battery lose charge faster, and you’ll have to charge more frequently.
Can I charge my Tesla with solar panels?
Yes! – And it would save you even more money to do so. When the sun is shining, your solar panels produce power that can be used to charge your EV.
The cost to charge an electric vehicle using solar energy is roughly $0.06 per kWh.
The chart below shows the average cost to charge each Tesla model with solar power:
Tesla model | Battery capacity | Est. cost |
---|---|---|
Model X | 100 kWh | $5.40 |
Model X Plaid | 100 kWh | $5.40 |
Model 3 Performance | 82 kWh | $4.42 |
Model 3 Long Range AWD | 82 kWh | $4.42 |
Model 3 Long Range RWD | 82 kWh | $4.42 |
Model S | 100 kWh | $5.40 |
Model S Plaid | 100 kWh | $5.40 |
Model Y Performance | 75 kWh | $4.05 |
Model Y Long Range AWD | 75 kWh | $4.05 |
Model Y Long Range RWD | 75 kWh | $4.05 |
Model Y Launch Series Long Range AWD | 75 kWh | $4.05 |
Cybertruck | 123 kWh | $6.64 |
If you do not have solar installed, it’s going to be a pretty big upfront purchase. Solar systems cost about $19,000 on average.
However, with the savings accumulated on your energy bills, you are able to see a return on your investment in as little as 5 years in some cases!
How many solar panels do I need to charge a Tesla?
Adding just five solar panels to your roof can cover the costs of charging a Tesla. If you already have solar, you can add more panels to your system to charge your EV.
If you’re planning to go solar and you don’t have an EV yet, tell your solar installer. They can plan your system to be big enough to cover your future Tesla charging costs.
Which is cheaper: Tesla vs. gas-powered car
According to AAA, the average price of gas is around $3.08 per gallon. When making the switch from a gas car over to a Tesla vehicle, you’ll notice a significant price difference in your monthly expenses.
The average monthly cost of charging your Tesla at home is around $47.35. When you compare that with the average monthly cost of gas in the U.S., which is estimated to be about $204 per month according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By switching to a Tesla, you can save over $150 each month or over $1,800 annually!
Cost to charge a Tesla FAQ
Here are some common questions that also come up when figuring out the cost of charging a Tesla.
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model 3?
It will cost about $12 to fully charge a Tesla Model 3 at home. If you charge with a Tesla Supercharger, it will cost between $19 and $46, depending on where you live and the public charging rates.
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model Y?
It will cost about $10.98 to fully charge a Tesla Model Y at home. If you charge with a Tesla Supercharger, it will cost between $17 and $43 depending on a few factors.
How much does a Tesla cost?
The cost of a Tesla electric vehicle will range from $32,490 to $125,490, depending on what model and package you buy.
Does it cost money to charge a Tesla?
Yes, it costs money to charge a Tesla.
Tesla has offered free Supercharging through its referral programs in the past in the form of credits, which can be used to cover the charging costs. You can check if you have any Supercharging credits in the Tesla app.
Do Tesla vehicles qualify for incentives?
Some Tesla models qualify for the federal EV tax credit, worth up to $75,000. Eligible 2025 models include:
Cybertruck
Model 3 Long Range AWD
Model 3 Long Range RWD
Model 3 Performance
Model X AWD
Model Y Long Range AWD
Model Y Long Range RWD
Model Y Performance
Aside from the tax credit, your Tesla model may be eligible for local EV incentives offered in your area.
Do I need to charge my Tesla with a Tesla Powerwall?
You can charge your Tesla with the excess energy stored in a Tesla Powerwall – but it is not mandatory.
You can use any brand of solar energy storage system with EV capabilities to charge your vehicle. Since Tesla offers battery storage, solar, and EVs, you can buy it all in one place as a one-stop shop.
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla in California?
Charging a Tesla at home in California will cost between $16.80 and $29.22 on average. Due to the high electricity prices in the Golden State, it costs more to charge a Tesla in California than it does in other states.
Jamie is a Content Writer and researcher at SolarReviews. A recent graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, Jamie earned her B.S. in communications with a concentration in journalism, mass media, and public relations. Jamie has previously worked at a marketing company where she had the opportunity to highlight and promote small business owners through long-form stories and interviews. With a deep-rooted passion for creativity, Jamie stri...
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