Charging an electric vehicle like a Tesla at a public charging station comes with a cost. The exact cost depends on several factors, including:
- The type of charging station (Level 2 or DC fast charging)
- The charging speed (kW power output)
- The location of the charging station (costs vary by state/region)
- Whether you’re using a Tesla Supercharger or third-party network
- Electricity rates and additional fees charged by the network
In general, charging a Tesla at a Supercharger costs less than using third-party networks. Tesla owners can charge at Superchargers for free or at reduced rates, while other networks charge by the kWh used. Charging speed also impacts cost – faster charging consumes more electricity.
Below we’ll look at average charging costs for Teslas in more detail, including differences between Superchargers, third-party DC fast charging, and Level 2 charging. We’ll also cover ways to estimate charging costs for your specific location and electricity rates.
Charging at Tesla Superchargers
Tesla Superchargers are the fastest chargers available for Tesla vehicles. They can deliver up to 250 kW of power, enabling rapid charging. There are over 25,000 Superchargers worldwide, with new sites being added continuously.
When Tesla first launched Superchargers, owners could charge for free. Today, there are limitations on free charging:
- New Tesla purchases come with 400 kWh of free Supercharging credits (roughly 1,000 miles of range).
- For older Teslas, owners are allotted a limited number of free miles per year.
Once the free credits are used, owners must pay to Supercharge:
- The current price is $0.28 per kWh in most US regions.
- Rates may be slightly lower ($0.24 per kWh) or higher ($0.32 per kWh) in some areas.
- Prices are generally higher outside the US – for example, $0.34 per kWh in Canada.
To estimate the cost to charge a Tesla at a Supercharger in the US, we can use $0.28/kWh as an average rate. Here are sample charging costs for different Tesla models:
| Tesla Model | Battery Size | charging cost (from 0% – 100%) |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Long Range | 75 kWh | $21 |
| Model 3 Performance | 82 kWh | $23 |
| Model S Long Range | 100 kWh | $28 |
| Model X Long Range | 100 kWh | $28 |
As you can see, a full Supercharge typically costs around $20-$30 depending on battery size. Owners who have exceeded their free credits should budget around $0.28 per kWh when planning longer trips requiring multiple Supercharging stops.
Third-Party DC Fast Charging
In addition to Superchargers, Teslas can use third-party DC fast charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, and others. These stations can charge at power levels up to 350 kW, even faster than Superchargers.
However, the downside is cost. Whereas Superchargers cost $0.24-$0.32 per kWh, third-party stations often charge between $0.30-$0.50 per kWh. Some also have session fees, network membership fees, or idle fees when charging is complete.
Costs will vary significantly by location and network. But in general, you can expect to pay around double the cost per kWh versus Supercharging. Here are some approximate charging costs for a Tesla Model 3 Long Range at third-party stations:
| Network | Rate | Charging Cost (0-100%) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrify America | $0.43/kWh | $32 |
| EVgo | $0.33/kWh | $25 |
| ChargePoint | $0.38/kWh | $29 |
These figures give you a general idea of the higher costs to expect. Depending on your region, the station, charging speed, and membership status you may pay less. But in most cases, third-party DC fast charging costs about 50-100% more than Supercharging the same vehicle.
Level 2 Charging
A third option is Level 2 public charging. These stations supply energy at much lower power levels (typically under 20 kW) but can be found at more locations like parking garages, hotels, and workplaces.
The big advantage of Level 2 charging is lower cost. Most Level 2 stations charge between $0.10-$0.35 per kWh. Average costs are around $0.20 per kWh in many areas.
The downside is slow charging speed. It likely takes 10+ hours to fully recharge a Tesla battery at Level 2 rates. But for partial daily charging, Level 2 can be an affordable option.
Here’s an overview of Level 2 charging costs for Teslas:
| Charging Rate | Charging Cost (0-100%) |
|---|---|
| 6.6 kW | $15 |
| 9.6 kW | $15 |
| 19.2 kW | $20 |
Based on average electricity rates, Level 2 charging costs around $15-$20 for a full charge. That makes it the most affordable charging solution if you don’t need rapid charging on road trips.
Estimating Charging Costs
To get a more precise estimate of charging costs for your Tesla in your region, you’ll need:
- Your electricity rate per kWh – check your utility bill or call your provider.
- Charging station rate – contact the network or check their app for local pricing.
- Your Tesla model/battery size – this determines kWh required to charge.
With that information, you can plug the numbers into this formula:
Charging cost = Electricity rate x Battery size (kWh) x Charging efficiency
For example:
- 10¢ per kWh electricity rate
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range (75 kWh battery)
- 90% charging efficiency
Charging cost = $0.10 x 75 kWh x 0.9 = $6.75
This will estimate your total cost to add a full charge. You can modify the battery percentage to estimate partial charging as well.
Apps like Chargeway and PlugShare can also calculate estimated charging costs based on local electricity rates and station fees.
Saving on Charging Costs
Here are some tips to minimize charging costs for your Tesla:
- Use Superchargers when possible – they offer the lowest rates if you’ve exceeded free credits.
- Compare networks and look for promotions – some run introductory specials for new members.
- Enroll in membership programs – costs can be lower for members at some networks.
- Avoid peak daytime hours – electricity rates are often higher during peak demand.
- Precondition your battery – a warmer battery accepts faster charges reducing session time.
- Get off-peak electricity rates at home – can save you up to 75% on home charging costs.
Setting charging alerts and timers can also help reduce costs when possible. And monitoring your lifetime kWh and costs in the Tesla app keeps you aware of spending.
Conclusion
Charging a Tesla at public stations typically costs between $0.20-$0.50 per kWh depending on the charger type and network. Tesla Superchargers represent the most affordable fast charging solution at around $0.28 per kWh on average after free credits expire. Third-party DC fast charging costs about twice as much per kWh. Level 2 charging is the cheapest for daily partial charging at around $0.15-$0.30 per kWh.
To estimate exact charging costs in your area, use your electricity rate, charging station rate, Tesla model battery size and a charging efficiency factor. There are also several ways to save on charging costs, such as using Superchargers when possible, avoiding peak hours, and taking advantage of membership rates. While public charging costs are still lower than gasoline, being aware of electricity rates and fees will allow you to better budget for charging your Tesla on the go.