How many kWh does it take to charge a Tesla Model 3? Whether you're calculating your charging costs, planning road trips, or simply optimizing your EV usage, knowing the energy requirements of your Tesla Model 3 is essential. This guide provides a clear breakdown of battery capacities, charging efficiency, and costs to help you get the most out of your EV.

Looking to optimize your Tesla Model 3 experience? Check out our wide range of Tesla Model 3 accessories.

Understanding the Tesla Model 3 battery capacity

The Tesla Model 3 comes in multiple variants, each equipped with a different battery capacity:

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Approximately 57.5 kWh of usable battery capacity.

• Long Range and Performance: Approximately 75 kWh of usable battery capacity.

Battery capacity plays a significant role in determining both the range and charging needs of your Tesla. A larger battery, like the one in the Long Range or Performance models, provides extended driving range but also requires more energy (kWh) for a full charge. Conversely, the smaller RWD battery charges faster and costs less to charge fully, but offers a shorter range, making it better suited for city driving or shorter commutes. Understanding these differences allows you to optimize your charging habits and plan accordingly based on your driving patterns.

What affects the kWh needed to charge a Tesla Model 3?

Charging efficiency and energy loss

Did you know that not all the electricity you use to charge your Tesla Model 3 ends up in the battery? On average, 10% of the energy is lost during the process, mainly when converting AC (alternating current) from your home charger into the DC (direct current) the battery requires.

This energy loss can vary depending on:

• Charging speed: Faster options like Tesla Superchargers are less efficient compared to slower Level 2 chargers.

• Charger type: High-quality home chargers generally minimize energy waste.

• Battery condition: Older batteries may lose more energy during charging.

Pro Tip: Charging at home with a Level 2 charger is typically the most efficient and cost-effective option for day-to-day use.

Depth of discharge (DoD)

How much of the battery you’ve used before recharging (known as Depth of Discharge) directly impacts the kWh needed for a full charge. Here’s how it works:

• Charging from 20% to 80% is quicker, uses less energy, and is easier on the battery.

• Charging from 0% to 100% not only takes longer but also uses slightly more energy due to inefficiencies at extreme levels.

Most Tesla drivers keep their charging range between 20% and 80% for everyday use, saving time, money, and battery health.

Environmental factors

Temperature plays a surprisingly big role in how much energy it takes to charge your Tesla Model 3:

• In cold weather: The battery needs to warm up before it can charge efficiently, which increases energy usage. For example, charging in freezing temperatures can add 20% more energy consumption.

• In hot weather: Energy is used to keep the battery cool, especially during fast charging.

How to Save Energy:

• Charge your car in a garage or shaded area to minimize the impact of extreme temperatures.

• Precondition your battery using the Tesla app before charging in cold weather.

How many kWh does it take to fully charge each model 3 Variant?

From 0% to 100%: full charge

The amount of kWh required for a full charge depends on your Tesla Model 3 variant. Here's a breakdown:

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Requires approximately 57.5 kWh for a full charge.

• Long Range and Performance: Requires around 75 kWh to go from 0% to 100%.

Keep in mind, energy loss during charging (around 10%) means you'll need slightly more electricity from the grid to achieve a full charge. For example:

• Charging an RWD Model 3 might use about 63.25 kWh from the charger.

• The Long Range and Performance variants may need up to 82.5 kWh from the charger.

From 20% to 80%: real-world scenario

Most Tesla owners charge between 20% and 80%, as this range is more efficient and better for battery longevity. Here's how much energy you would typically need:

• RWD Model 3: Approximately 34.5 kWh (including energy loss).

• Long Range and Performance: Around 45 kWh (including energy loss).

This range also aligns with daily driving habits, saving time and costs compared to full charges.

Table for easy reference

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model 3?

The calculation

To calculate charging costs, you need:

1. Local electricity rates: Rates in the U.S. range from $0.10 to $0.30 per kWh, depending on your state and provider.

2. kWh needed for your charge: Based on your Tesla Model 3 variant and how much of the battery you’re charging.

Formula: Charging Cost = kWh Required × Electricity Rate

Cost for each variant

• Rear-Wheel Drive (57.5 kWh):

• At $0.15/kWh: Full charge costs around $8.63.

• Charging from 20% to 80% costs approximately $5.18.

• Long Range/Performance (75 kWh):

• At $0.15/kWh: Full charge costs around $11.25.

• Charging from 20% to 80% costs approximately $6.75.

Real-world examples

1. Home Charging (Level 1 and Level 2):
   
   

• Level 1 (120V): Slow but convenient for overnight charging. Costs align with your electricity rate but may take up to 3–4 days for a full charge.

• Level 2 (240V): Faster and more efficient. A full charge typically costs the same but completes in 6–12 hours.

2. Public Charging Stations:
   
   

• Most Level 2 stations charge $0.20–$0.30 per kWh. Charging a Performance model from 20% to 80% might cost around $9.

3. Tesla Superchargers:
   
   

• Superchargers are priced at $0.25–$0.50 per kWh, depending on location. A full charge for a Long Range Tesla could cost $18.75–$37.50.

Pro Tip: Charging at home during off-peak hours can save significant money, especially if your utility offers discounted rates for overnight charging.

Charging time based on different charging options

Level 1 charging (120V Outlet)

Speed: Adds 3–5 miles of range per hour.

Time for Full Charge:

• RWD (~57.5 kWh): 2–3 days.

• Long Range/Performance (~75 kWh): 3–4 days.

Best For: Low-mileage users or emergencies; not practical for regular use.

Level 2 charging (240V outlet/home charger)

Speed: Adds 25–35 miles of range per hour.

Time for Full Charge:

• RWD: 6–9 hours.

• Long Range/Performance: 8–12 hours.

Installation Cost: $500–$2,000 (rebates may apply).

Best For: Daily home charging; fast and cost-efficient.

Tesla supercharger

Speed: Adds 170–200 miles in 15 minutes.

Time for Full Charge:

• RWD: 30–40 minutes.

• Long Range/Performance: 40–50 minutes.

Cost: $0.25–$0.50 per kWh.

Best For: Quick top-ups on road trips or long journeys.

Frequently asked questions

How many kWh does it take to charge a Tesla 3?

The Tesla Model 3 requires approximately 57.5 kWh (Rear-Wheel Drive) to 75 kWh (Long Range and Performance) for a full charge. Accounting for energy loss, this translates to 63.25–82.5 kWh from the charger.

How many kWh to charge a 2024 Tesla Model 3 performance?

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance has a 75 kWh battery capacity, but due to an approximate 10% energy loss, you’ll need around 82.5 kWh from the charger for a full charge.

How many kWh does a Tesla Model 3 use per mile?

On average, a Tesla Model 3 consumes 0.25–0.28 kWh per mile, with variations depending on driving habits, speed, and external conditions like temperature.

How far will a Tesla go on 1 kWh?

With an efficiency of 3.6–4 miles per kWh, a Tesla Model 3 can cover this range depending on the specific model and driving conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding how many kWh it takes to charge your Tesla Model 3 is essential for optimizing your EV experience. The required energy varies by model, with the Rear-Wheel Drive needing around 57.5 kWh and the Long Range and Performance models requiring up to 75 kWh for a full charge. Factors like charging efficiency, depth of discharge, and environmental conditions can slightly increase energy usage.

By knowing your vehicle's energy needs, you can better estimate charging costs, plan your trips, and choose the most efficient charging options, whether at home, on a Level 2 charger, or via Tesla Superchargers. With careful planning, you can maximize your Tesla’s range and minimize charging costs, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective driving experience.