How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model 3 in 2025? As electric vehicles become more popular, understanding the true cost of ownership is crucial. Charging costs depend on electricity rates, battery size, and where you charge, whether it’s at home, a public station, or a Tesla Supercharger. In this guide, we’ll break down the exact costs for each Tesla Model 3 variant and help you compare charging options to make the most of your EV experience.

Factors that affect the cost of charging a Tesla Model 3

Electricity rates

The cost of charging your Tesla Model 3 largely depends on your local electricity rates. In the U.S., these rates can range from $0.10 per kWh in states like Washington to $0.30 per kWh or more in places like California or Hawaii. For example:

• At $0.15 per kWh, charging a 75 kWh battery costs $11.25.

• At $0.30 per kWh, the same charge would cost $22.50.

Knowing your electricity rate helps you estimate your charging costs more accurately.

Charging efficiency

Not all the electricity drawn from the grid makes it into your battery. On average, there’s a 10% energy loss during charging, which means you need slightly more electricity than your battery capacity. For instance:

• Charging a 75 kWh battery may require up to 82.5 kWh from the charger.
  This efficiency loss varies slightly depending on the charger type and weather conditions.

Charging options

Where you charge your Tesla also impacts the cost:

• Home Charging (Level 1 and Level 2):
  
  

• Level 1 (120V): Slow but convenient, costing around $11–$20 for a full charge.

• Level 2 (240V): Faster, with similar costs but an upfront installation expense of $500–$2,000.

• Public Charging Stations:
  
  

• Costs range from $0.20 to $0.30 per kWh, making a full charge roughly $15–$22.50.

• Tesla Superchargers:
  
  

• These are priced between $0.25 and $0.50 per kWh, with a full charge costing $18.75–$37.50.

Each option has its pros and cons, with home charging being the most cost-effective for daily use and Superchargers ideal for quick top-ups during road trips.

Cost to charge each Tesla Model 3 variant

The cost of charging a Tesla Model 3 depends on the variant, its battery size, and the electricity rate. Here's a breakdown of the charging costs for both a full charge and partial charges.

Full charge from 0% to 100%

A full charge means using the total battery capacity, accounting for approximately 10% energy loss during charging. Below are estimates for each variant at different electricity rates:

Rear-wheel drive (57.5 kWh battery):

• At $0.10/kWh: $6.33

• At $0.15/kWh: $9.50

• At $0.30/kWh: $19.00

Long range and performance (75 kWh battery):

• At $0.10/kWh: $8.25

• At $0.15/kWh: $12.38

• At $0.30/kWh: $24.75

Partial charge (20% to 80%)

Charging from 20% to 80% is a common practice as it is more efficient and preserves battery health. This uses around 60% of the total battery capacity. Below are the estimated costs:

Rear-wheel drive (57.5 kWh battery):

• At $0.10/kWh: $3.80

• At $0.15/kWh: $5.70

• At $0.30/kWh: $11.40

Long range and performance (75 kWh battery):

• At $0.10/kWh: $4.95

• At $0.15/kWh: $7.43

• At $0.30/kWh: $14.85

Table: costs for full and partial charges

How charging costs vary across different U.S. states

Note: Rates are based on data from January 2025.

How charging costs compare across different charging options

Charging your Tesla Model 3 can vary significantly depending on the method and location. Here's a breakdown of costs for each option:

Home charging (Level 1 and Level 2)

• Level 1 (120V):
  
  

• Adds 3–5 miles of range per hour, making it best for low-mileage users or overnight top-ups.

• Typical cost: Around $9–$12 for a full charge (based on $0.15/kWh).

• Level 2 (240V):
  
  

• Adds 25–35 miles of range per hour, significantly faster and ideal for daily use.

• Typical cost: Same as Level 1, around $9–$12, but charging is completed in 6–12 hours.

• Installation Costs: Installing a Level 2 home charger ranges from $500 to $2,000, though some regions offer rebates.

Best Use: Home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective option for daily use.

Public charging stations

• Cost: Level 2 public chargers typically charge $0.20–$0.30 per kWh, making a full charge cost between $12.78–$18.90 for a Long Range Tesla Model 3.

• Charging Speed: Similar to home Level 2 chargers, these add around 25–35 miles of range per hour.

Best Use: Convenient for city charging or when you don’t have access to home charging.

Tesla superchargers

• Cost: Tesla Superchargers cost between $0.25–$0.50 per kWh, making a full charge for the Long Range model cost $20.83–$41.65.

• Speed: Adds 170–200 miles of range in 15 minutes, making it the fastest option available.

Best Use: Ideal for road trips or quick top-ups when you're short on time.

Cost per mile and long-term charging expenses

Cost per mile

On average, the Tesla Model 3 consumes 0.25–0.28 kWh per mile. Using this:

• At $0.15/kWh, the cost per mile is approximately $0.0375.

• Comparing to gas-powered vehicles:

• A car with 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon costs $0.116 per mile, nearly 3 times more than a Tesla Model 3.

Annual charging costs

Here’s how much you might spend on charging your Tesla Model 3 annually, depending on your mileage and electricity rates:

Upgrading to energy-efficient aero wheels can further lower your cost per mile while enhancing your Tesla’s style.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla per month ?

The monthly cost to charge a Tesla is around $40–$60 at home, assuming you drive approximately 1,000 miles per month and pay an average of $0.15/kWh.

How much to charge a Tesla at home ?

Charging a Tesla Model 3 at home costs approximately $9–$12 for a full charge, depending on your electricity rate (e.g., $0.15/kWh).

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model 3 to 100%?

Charging a Tesla Model 3 Long Range to 100% costs about $12.38 at $0.15/kWh, including an estimated 10% energy loss during charging.

How long does it cost to charge a Tesla ?

Charging times vary by charger type:

• Level 1 (120V): 3–4 days for a full charge.

• Level 2 (240V): 6–12 hours for a full charge.

• Tesla Supercharger: 30–50 minutes for a full charge.

Conclusion

Charging a Tesla Model 3 is not only convenient but also significantly more affordable than fueling a gas-powered car. Depending on your electricity rate and charging habits, a full charge typically costs $9–$12 at home, with monthly expenses around $40–$60 for average driving. Public chargers and Tesla Superchargers provide flexibility, though at a slightly higher cost.

By understanding factors like electricity rates, charging efficiency, and available options, Tesla owners can optimize their charging routine to save money and time. Whether you’re charging at home or on the road, the Tesla Model 3 remains one of the most cost-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles to own.

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