Quick Answers
Yes, charging a Tesla at home will increase your electric bill. However, the increase is usually not as dramatic as some may think. Depending on your electricity rates, home charging can cost between $10-$30 to fully charge a Tesla battery from empty to full. For many Tesla owners, home charging costs add up to an extra $30-$90 per month on their electric bills on average.
The actual impact on your electric bill depends on several factors:
– Your electricity rates – Areas with higher kWh rates will pay more to charge.
– Your driving and charging habits – Charging daily vs a few times a week makes a difference.
– Charging speed – Faster charging uses more power and is less efficient.
– Battery size – Longer-range Teslas have larger batteries that require more power to charge up.
With smart charging habits, most Tesla owners find home charging provides convenient daily fueling at a reasonable cost. The impact on electric bills is often much less than the amount saved on gasoline when switching from a gas car to an EV.
Charging a Tesla At Home – What You Need
To enable home charging, you’ll need:
– A Tesla vehicle – Any Tesla model will work including Model S, Model 3, Model X or Model Y.
– A Tesla wall connector – This provides the fastest charging speeds.
– Or a Tesla Mobile Connector with a NEMA 14-50 or 6-20 adapter – For more basic charging from a 240V outlet.
– A high voltage 240V electrical circuit – Installed by an electrician unless one exists.
Tesla includes the mobile connector with new vehicles, but the wall connector must be purchased separately. Installation costs vary widely based on your electrical panel location and complexity.
Many Tesla owners choose to install the $500 wall connector during the purchase process since installation labor can cost $200-$800 later on. With the mobile connector, you can charge from a dryer or stove outlet but maximum charging speed is lower.
Average Electricity Use When Charging Tesla
So how much power does the Tesla actually use when charging at home? Let’s break it down by the battery size for each Tesla model:
Model 3 and Model Y:
– Standard Range and Rear-Wheel Drive Long Range: 30-32 kWh for full charge
– Dual Motor and Performance versions: 34-37 kWh
Model S:
– Long Range: 34-37 kWh
– Plaid: 38-40 kWh
Model X:
– Long Range: 36-38 kWh
– Plaid: 40-42 kWh
As you can see, most Tesla models will utilize between 30 to 42 kWh to charge from 0% to 100%. The long range and performance versions with larger batteries require the most electricity.
How much that number translates to depends on your local electricity rate. The national average is around 15 cents per kWh but rates vary significantly across the country.
In California where rates are over 20 cents per kWh, a full 40 kWh charge would cost around $8. In Louisiana where electricity is under 10 cents per kWh, that same charge is only about $4.
Cost to Charge Tesla at Home
Based on the kWh usage estimates above and varying electricity rates, here are the averages you can expect to pay to fully charge each Tesla model at home:
Model 3 and Model Y:
– Standard Range and RWD Long Range: $4.50 – $9.60
– Dual Motor and Performance: $5.10 – $10.80
Model S:
– Long Range: $5.10 – $10.80
– Plaid: $5.70 – $12
Model X:
– Long Range: $5.40 – $11.40
– Plaid: $6 – $12.60
As shown, most Tesla models will cost homeowners between $5 and $12 to charge from 0% to 100% depending on battery size and local electric rates.
Charging daily from a typical 30% to 90% at home would cost between $2.50 to $7 on average.
Estimated Home Charging Costs Per Month
Based on average daily commute distances, most Tesla owners charge anywhere from 2 to 6 times per week at home. Here are the estimated monthly costs for home charging:
| Tesla Model | Average kWh Used | Charges Per Week | Monthly Charging Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 RWD Long Range | 130 | 4 | $30 |
| Model 3 Dual Motor | 160 | 5 | $60 |
| Model S Long Range | 160 | 5 | $60 |
| Model S Plaid | 220 | 6 | $90 |
| Model X Long Range | 180 | 5 | $70 |
| Model X Plaid | 240 | 6 | $100 |
This covers a typical range of charging needs for the average driver. Of course, your actual charging frequency and costs may be higher or lower depending on your driving habits.
As shown, the increased cost for most Tesla owners amounts to $30 to $100 per month to fuel at home. Compared to average gasoline costs, this is still far less than a comparable gas car for the amount of driving.
Factors That Impact Charging Costs
While the estimates above provide a good basis, there are several factors that can impact your actual home charging costs including:
Your Electricity Rate
The per kWh electricity price you pay has the biggest impact on charging costs. Rates around 10 cents per kWh will be far cheaper than over 20 cents per kWh. Check your latest electric bill to find your rate.
Some electric companies offer special EV rates at lower cost during off-peak hours. Switching to a plan like this can save you money if you charge overnight.
Charging Equipment
Using the Tesla Mobile Connector on a 240V outlet will provide about 22 miles of range per hour while the Wall Connector can add 44 miles per hour.
Faster charging completes sooner, meaning shorter charging sessions that use a little less overall energy. But the Wall Connector installation also costs more upfront.
Charging Habits
Charging more frequently in smaller increments is the most efficient approach and uses the least amount of total electricity.
Waiting until the battery is at a very low state of charge before plugging in can increase energy consumption. The battery charges slower and less efficiently at the high and low state of charge levels.
Battery Size
Tesla models with larger 100 kWh battery packs require more electricity per charge than the 50-60 kWh versions. So the Model S and X incur higher charging costs than the 3 and Y.
Environmental Conditions
Cold winter weather can reduce rated driving ranges by up to 30% in very low temperatures. This will require more frequent charging and energy use. The cabin heating system also uses battery power.
Hot summer conditions have less impact on efficiency but running the air conditioning does use some electricity.
Cost Savings vs Gas Cars
Even with the increased utility costs, charging a Tesla at home costs significantly less than fueling a comparable gasoline car.
Let’s compare monthly fueling costs:
| Tesla Model 3 | Gas-Powered Car | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Mileage | 1,200 miles | 1,200 miles |
| Efficiency | 3.5 miles/kWh | 25 mpg |
| Average Cost | $0.13/kWh | $3.50/gallon |
| Monthly Home Charging Cost | $45 | $168 |
Based on typical efficiency ratings, the Tesla Model 3 costs about $45 in home electricity for 1,200 monthly miles compared to $168 for an equivalent gasoline car.
You’ll save $100 or more per month on fueling costs even after accounting for slightly higher electric bills. The savings add up to over $1,000 per year.
Key Takeaways
– Charging a Tesla at home will increase your electric bill by $30 to $100 per month for most drivers.
– However, home charging still saves $100s per year compared to fueling a gas car.
– Electricity rates, battery size, and charging habits impact your actual costs.
– Smart charging during off-peak hours can help reduce costs.
– Convenience and low fueling costs make home charging very appealing for Tesla owners.
Conclusion
Charging your Tesla at home does result in a modest increase in monthly electricity bills for most owners. Depending on rates and charging habits, expect to pay $30 to $100 more per month over baseline usage.
This is counterbalanced by significant savings over gas. When you consider fuel costs, charging at home is far more affordable and convenient than visiting gas stations. Most Tesla drivers will save thousands on fuel per year.
With some smart charging habits, you can reduce your charging costs. Opt for off-peak hours, avoid frequent quick charges, and limit DC fast charging sessions to when necessary.
For many Tesla owners, the small increase in home electricity is viewed as a worthwhile tradeoff for the pleasure of driving an innovative electric vehicle. Going electric reduces environmental impact while saving money in the long run.