The cost of charging a Tesla Model Y can vary significantly based on several factors such as location, time of day, and charging method. As America’s most popular electric vehicle and the fourth best-selling vehicle overall, the Tesla Model Y saw over 100,000 units sold in the first quarter of 2024 alone. While Tesla estimates annual fuel savings of $1,200 for the Model Y, the EPA places the annual fuel cost at $650 for the Long Range AWD version.

Understanding Charging Costs

Electricity costs are typically measured in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Using Car and Driver’s estimate of 80.5 kWh for the Model Y Long Range AWD, a typical full charge from 10% to 80% (56.35 kWh) would cost around $9.51 at the national average residential rate of 16.88 cents/kWh. However, actual costs vary widely by state, from $5.88 in North Dakota to $18.30 in California.

Time of Day and Charging Costs

Charging costs also fluctuate during the day, with prices higher during peak hours and lower at night. Some utilities offer separate metering for home Level 2 chargers to reduce costs during off-peak hours. While home charging is usually the cheapest option, installing a Level 2 charger can be expensive, with Tesla’s wall connector priced at $450 and installation potentially costing thousands.

Tesla Supercharger Costs

Charging at Tesla Superchargers also varies in cost, generally ranging from 25 cents/kWh to 50 cents/kWh. This translates to $14 to $28 for a 10-80% charge. Additional fees may apply for leaving the car plugged in after charging or for charging during high congestion times.

Comparing to Gasoline Costs

Comparing to gasoline costs, the average price per gallon is $3.50. For 100 miles, a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid would cost $9.10 in fuel, while a less efficient RAV4 TRD Off-Road would cost $12.60. In contrast, charging a Tesla Model Y at home for the same distance would cost about $4.90, with Supercharger costs ranging from $7.25 to $14.50.

Overall, while charging costs for a Tesla Model Y can vary, home charging generally provides significant savings compared to gasoline.

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