Tesla Model S: Real Charging Cost (2026)
Per charge, per month, and by state, using the Tesla Model S’s EPA numbers.
Charging a Tesla Model S at home costs about $49 a month for 1,000 miles at the 16.5¢/kWh US average, about $16.50 for a full charge, or 4.9¢ per mile. The same miles in a 28-mpg gas sedan run about $114.
Different trim or public charging? Full calculator →
Fuel savings: about — a year vs a comparable gas sedan.
Tesla Model S charging cost by state
Home charging, 1,000 miles a month, 2026 example rates. Tap a state for its full page.
| State | Avg rate | Full charge | Per month | Per 100 mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 31.8¢ | $31.80 | $93.53 | $9.35 |
| Texas | 15.5¢ | $15.50 | $45.59 | $4.56 |
| Florida | 15.0¢ | $15.00 | $44.12 | $4.41 |
| New York | 24.0¢ | $24.00 | $70.59 | $7.06 |
| Pennsylvania | 18.3¢ | $18.30 | $53.82 | $5.38 |
| Illinois | 16.4¢ | $16.40 | $48.24 | $4.82 |
| Ohio | 15.9¢ | $15.90 | $46.76 | $4.68 |
| Georgia | 14.2¢ | $14.20 | $41.76 | $4.18 |
| North Carolina | 14.0¢ | $14.00 | $41.18 | $4.12 |
| Washington | 11.9¢ | $11.90 | $35.00 | $3.50 |
| Arizona | 15.1¢ | $15.10 | $44.41 | $4.44 |
| New Jersey | 19.5¢ | $19.50 | $57.35 | $5.74 |
How fast does a Tesla Model S charge?
| Charger | Adds per hour | Full charge | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 · wall outlet 120V · ~1.3 kW | ~4 miles | 2–3 days | Short commutes, plug-in hybrids |
| Level 2 · home charger 240V · up to 11.5 kW | ~33 miles | ~10.4 hrs | Overnight home charging, the default |
| DC fast charging NACS · high power | rapid | ~238 mi (10→80%) | Road trips, costs ~3× home rates |
Tesla Model S charging questions
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model S at home?+−
At the US average of about 16.5¢/kWh and the Tesla Model S’s 100 kWh usable battery, a full home charge runs about $16.50. For 1,000 miles a month that is roughly $49. Your exact cost depends on your local electricity rate.
What is the Tesla Model S’s charging cost per mile?+−
The Tesla Model S is EPA-rated near 3.4 mi/kWh, so at 16.5¢/kWh it costs about 4.9¢ per mile to drive, compared with roughly 11¢ a mile for a 28-mpg gas car at $3.20/gallon.
How much does it cost to fast-charge a Tesla Model S vs at home?+−
Public DC fast charging averages around 42¢/kWh, so a full Tesla Model S charge can cost about $42, roughly three times the $16.50 it costs at home. Fine for road trips, expensive as a habit.
Do I need a Level 2 charger for a Tesla Model S?+−
If you drive a typical 30–40 miles a day, Level 1 barely keeps up with the Tesla Model S. Most owners install Level 2, see our installation cost estimator ($500–$2,500 typical).
Does winter change the Tesla Model S’s charging cost?+−
Yes. Expect 15–30% more energy per mile in freezing weather from cabin and battery heating, so winter months run higher than this year-round average. Preconditioning while plugged in helps.
Battery & efficiency: EPA rating and manufacturer specs for the Tesla Model S. Rates: EIA state averages (2026 examples). Charging speeds: estimated from power level and efficiency; real sessions vary. Not affiliated with Tesla. Full methodology →