EV Charge 
Charging a Tesla at home costs between $50 and $79 per month on the U.S. average electricity rate, depending on which model you own. The Model Y is the cheapest to charge, while the Cybertruck is the most expensive. Your actual bill swings dramatically by state—Louisiana drivers pay roughly a quarter of what Hawaii drivers pay for the same car.
Three Tesla models compared
| Tesla | kWh/100 mi (EPA) | EPA range (mi) | Per month (1,000 mi) | Per year (12,000 mi) | Full range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 27.5 | 327 | $50 | $604 | $16 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 29.6 | 309 | $54 | $650 | $17 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 42.9 | 325 | $79 | $943 | $26 |
By state: cheapest vs most expensive
| Tesla | Louisiana (12.72¢) | U.S. average | Hawaii (48.00¢) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | $35 | $50 | $132 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $38 | $54 | $142 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | $55 | $79 | $206 |
Why the numbers look like this
Tesla charging costs follow two main drivers: vehicle efficiency and regional electricity rates. The Model Y uses 27.5 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles, making it the leanest of the three models we analyzed. The Model 3 is slightly thirstier at 29.6 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles, and the Cybertruck demands 42.9 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles due to its weight and design. States with lower grid costs—often those relying on cheaper fuel sources or lower-cost infrastructure—charge drivers significantly less per kilowatt-hour than states with higher generation or transmission costs. This state-level variation matters far more than the difference between Tesla models. A Model Y owner in Hawaii pays more per month than a Cybertruck owner in Louisiana.
What you can do
- Check your state’s average electricity rate before buying. If you live in a high-cost state, charging during off-peak hours (if your utility offers time-of-use rates) can cut your bill.
- Compare the per-mile cost of your current gas car to the Tesla model you’re considering. Use your actual electricity rate, not the national average.
- If you drive 1,000 miles per month, track your charging costs for three months to spot seasonal swings in your electricity rate.
- Ask your utility about EV charging programs or rebates. Some offer lower rates for charging overnight or during specific windows.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model Y at home?
On the U.S. average electricity rate, a Model Y costs $50 per month or $604 per year if you drive 12,000 miles annually. A full charge costs $16.
Which Tesla is cheapest to charge?
The Model Y is the cheapest, using 27.5 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles. The Model 3 costs slightly more per month, and the Cybertruck is the most expensive to charge.
How much cheaper is charging a Tesla than filling a gas car?
A 30-mpg gas car costs $1,732 per year in fuel if you drive 12,000 miles annually at current gas prices. A Model Y costs $604 per year on the U.S. average electricity rate.
Does charging cost change by state?
Yes, dramatically. A Model Y costs $35 per month in Louisiana but $132 per month in Hawaii—nearly four times higher in the same vehicle.
What does it cost to fully charge a Cybertruck?
On the U.S. average rate, a full charge costs $26. In Louisiana it costs $55 per month for regular charging; in Hawaii, $206 per month.
Your bill depends on your own rate and miles. Put them in the EV charging cost calculator, or see every state in the cost by state table and the monthly price index.
Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly, table 5.6.A; EIA gasoline prices; fueleconomy.gov (EPA). Method: how we calculate. Updated October 18, 2026.
