Tesla Supercharger Cost: Is It Cheaper Than Petrol?

Tesla Supercharger Cost: Is It Cheaper Than Petrol?

Tesla Supercharger Cost: Is It Cheaper Than Petrol? Source: Tesla

Key Takeaways

  • Depending on the car model and the price of electricity in your location, the Tesla supercharger cost is between $0.09 and $0.27 per mile. Details are given below!
  • Supercharging costs more than charging your Tesla at home. How much to charge a tesla at home relies on the electricity prices where you live. In Australia, it costs between $0.10 and $0.30 per kWh. 
  • Electric cars are often cheaper to run than their gasoline counterparts. But is that worth it? Keep reading to find out!

How Much Does It Cost To Supercharge A Tesla?

How Much Does It Cost To Supercharge A Tesla?

How Much Does It Cost To Supercharge A Tesla? Source: Tesla

Tesla owns and maintains the world's biggest worldwide fast-charging network, with more than 50,000 Superchargers. Superchargers are located on key highways near useful facilities and keep you charged while you're away from home. 

With the help of DC fast-charging technology, superchargers can quickly and significantly recharge batteries. Additionally, Tesla supercharger cost Australia varies based on your car type, battery capacity, location, and local electricity rates.

Tesla owners may see Prices at local Superchargers, but there is no way to check Tesla supercharger costs on an even larger scale.  However, with many years of research on Tesla car prices and the market in Australia, My Tesla Accessories have you covered! Here is a table to briefly explain Tesla supercharger cost in different versions: 

Tesla Model

Estimated Full Charge Cost (AUD)

Energy Cost per Kilometre (AUD)

Annual Charging Cost (AUD) (20,000 Kilometre/year)

Model 3 RWD

$26 - $53

$0.09 - $0.20

$1,224 - $2,652

Model 3 Long Range AWD

$35 - $69

$0.09 - $0.20

$1,224 - $2,652

Model 3 Performance

$35 - $69

$0.11 - $0.23

$1,426 - $3,058

Model Y AWD

$29 - $57

$0.11 - $0.21

$1,426 - $2,855

Model Y Long Range AWD

$35 - $69

$0.11 - $0.21

$1,426 - $2,855

Model Y Performance

$35 - $69

$0.12 - $0.23

$1,633 - $3,058

Model S AWD

$44 - $88

$0.11 - $0.21

$1,426 - $2,855

Model S Plaid

$44 - $88

$0.11 - $0.26

$1,426 - $3,464

Model X AWD

$44 - $88

$0.12 - $0.26

$1,633 - $3,464

Model X Plaid

$44 - $88

$0.14 - $0.27

$1,833 - $3,669

How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Tesla at Home?

How Much Does It Cost To Supercharge A Tesla?

How Much Does It Cost To Supercharge A Tesla? Source: Tesla

Charging a Tesla at home is often cheaper than using a Supercharger. Home charging charges are affected by your local home power rates, which normally vary between $0.15 and $0.45 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in Australia. 

The actual Tesla supercharger cost will vary depending on the model and battery capacity. Nevertheless, it is normally more cost-effective owing to lower prices than public charging stations, such as Supercharge.

Here are some price estimates for the various Tesla models that you can pay at home for a full charge, based on an average residential electricity rate of $0.23 per kWh:

Tesla Model

Estimated Full Charge Cost (AUD)

Energy Cost per Mile (AUD)

Annual Charging Cost (AUD) (12,000 miles/year)

Model 3 RWD

$11 - $36

$0.05 - $0.14

$612 - $1,834

Model 3 Long Range AWD

$14 - $48

$0.05 - $0.14

$612 - $1,834

Model 3 Performance

$14 - $48

$0.05 - $0.15

$612 - $2,039

Model Y AWD

$12 - $39

$0.05 - $0.14

$612 - $1,834

Model Y Long Range AWD

$14 - $48

$0.05 - $0.15

$612 - $2,039

Model Y Performance

$14 - $48

$0.05 - $0.17

$612 - $2,243

Model S AWD

$17 - $59

$0.05 - $0.15

$612 - $2,039

Model S Plaid

$17 - $59

$0.05 - $0.17

$612 - $2,243

Model X AWD

$17 - $59

$0.05 - $0.17

$612 - $2,243

Model X Plaid

$17 - $59

$0.05 - $0.20

$612 - $2,654


Charging a Tesla vs. Refueling a Gas-Powered Car

Due to their superior efficiency, electric motors are usually cheaper to run. The Tesla supercharger cost will be more reasonable than filling up a car with gas.

Gas Prices vs. Electricity Costs

A lot of the time, global international issues affect how much gas costs in Australia. This is reflected in the fact that gas prices have been fluctuating lately, going from $1.70 to $2.10 per liter. 

Averaging between $0.15 and $0.45 per kWh, energy costs have stayed more stable. Stable power prices make it easier to guess how much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla in australia (EVs) like Tesla, giving car owners greater peace of mind over time than gas prices.

Cost Per Mile: Tesla vs. Gas-Powered Cars

Tesla cars are generally more cost-effective to operate than gas-powered carsTesla cars are generally more cost-effective to operate than gas-powered cars

Tesla cars are generally more cost-effective to operate than gas-powered cars.

Depending on the car model and the price of electricity in your location, a Tesla supercharger costs between $0.09 and $0.27 per mile. At the moment, the price of gas for a regular car could be between $0.15 and $0.20 per mile.

That means it can be more than 50% cheaper per mile to drive a Tesla since electric motors are more efficient and energy costs are lower. So, getting an electric car is a good idea if you want to save money on daily driving costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cheapest time to charge a Tesla?

The cheapest time to charge a Tesla is usually during off-peak hours when energy demand is low. Electricity rates are generally cheaper late at night or early in the morning, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., which are called "off-peak" hours. During certain times, power prices might be reduced via time-of-use (TOU) pricing programs offered by some utilities. 

2. Is it OK to charge Tesla every day?

Yes, it is typically OK to charge your Tesla every day, particularly if you drive regularly. However, we advise to set the charge limit at between 80-90% rather than 100%. This helps maintain your battery's long-term health. Charging to 100% is best suited for extended journeys that need extra range. The Tesla battery management system is intended to preserve the battery and optimize charging. Therefore, everyday charging should not result in significant wear if done properly.

3. Do you have to pay at a Tesla Supercharger?

Yes, you have to pay at a Tesla Supercharger if you want to charge your Tesla car. The Tesla supercharger cost varies by location and is often dependent on local electricity prices, with charges per kilowatt-hour or minute. Some Tesla owners still get free Supercharging via previous promotions or referral programs. However, most new cars will demand payment to use the Supercharger network.

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