If you’ve been considering buying a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, one major factor to think about is charging. While both have a sleek design, deliver on performance and have an impressive range, they slightly differ when it comes to how much you’ll spend at a charging station.
Learn More: Here’s What It Costs To Charge a Tesla Monthly vs. Using Gas for a Nissan Altima
Check Out: 3 Reasons Retired Boomers Shouldn't Give Their Kids a Living Inheritance (And 2 Reasons They Should)
To help determine which model gives you the most miles for your money, here’s a detailed breakdown of what it really costs to keep each model powered up.
The Model 3 Charging Costs
The Model 3 is Tesla’s most affordable model with a base price of $44,130, per Car and Driver. It can go 363 miles on a single charge and is pretty efficient, according to Rob Dillan, automotive expert and founder of EVhype.
“It will likely cost about $10.95 for a full charge, which is about $0.04 to $0.05 per mile (or about 3.76 to 4.67 cents per mile depending on model and driving conditions),” he said.
“The Model 3 is equipped with a battery pack somewhere between 70 kWh and 94 kWh, depending on the version. It’s typically about 85% efficient, which results in less energy being emitted during charging, making Model 3 one of the cheapest [electric vehicles] EVs to drive on the road today.”
Consider This: I Sold My Tesla — Here’s How Much I Got for It and What I’m Driving Instead
Model Y Charging Costs
The Model Y is a midsize EV with a base price of $44,990, per Edmunds, that offers a quiet powerful ride and can go up to 357 miles on a full charge. It is a little pricey to plug in, however.
“Charging a Tesla Model Y to full at home will cost you about $14.39,” Dillan said.
Depending on if you have the Model Y Long Range or Model Y Performance, it will cost 4.31 to 4.75 cents per mile to charge.
“The Model Y’s battery pack is larger than the Model 3’s, typically ranging from 91 kWh to 92 kWh, and provides a range of approximately 303 to 330 miles with a full charge,” Dillan explained. “The battery also has the same approximate 85% efficiency as the Model 3, so it achieves some impressive miles while staying pretty efficient.”
Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Charging Cost Comparison
If you’re looking at the models from purely a financial standpoint, the Model 3 is cheaper.
“The Model Y has a bit higher charge cost due to its bigger size and range, but it has more capacity and usability for families and people who require special cargo,” Dillan said. “On the whole, both of them are relatively cheap to charge. The decision between the Model 3 and Model Y comes down to what you’re after — if you’re looking for something cheaper, then go for the 3, but if you need the extra space in a sleeker package, then go for the Y.”
Other Factors To Consider
If you’ve been considering buying a Tesla, now is the time. President Donald Trump has ended tax credits for EVs, but qualified buyers can take advantage of the Clean Vehicle Credit (CVC) until Sept. 30, 2025 and save up to $7,500.
However, there’s pros and cons to owning a Tesla, according to Lauren Fix, award-winning auto Expert and analyst with The Car Coach.
Pros
- Tesla’s nationwide Supercharger network is the most expansive and reliable in the U.S., offering fast, convenient charging that makes long-distance travel far easier than with most other EV brands.
- The Tesla Wall Connector allows efficient home charging — adding up to 44 miles of range per hour — and integrates with Tesla’s app for monitoring and scheduling. This closed-loop charging experience is seamless and user-friendly.
Cons
- Tesla’s chargers are optimized for Tesla vehicles, limiting flexibility if you switch brands, though adapters are now more widely available from Ford, Hyundai, BMW and others. This limits the open spaces for charging at Tesla chargers as drivers compete for charging bays.
- The Tesla Wall Connector and its installation can be costly, and access to Superchargers is sometimes limited for non-Tesla EVs — even as Tesla begins to open the network.
- Peak charging fees and idle fees at Superchargers can add up quickly, and Tesla’s proprietary approach means you’re more locked into their ecosystem than with a vehicle that uses the more universal combined charging system (CCS) standard.
Owning a Tesla is an exciting driving experience that’s cost-effective when you know how to maximize the savings.
“While the overall convenience is high, buyers should weigh long-term brand commitment, regional charging availability and total infrastructure costs when deciding,” Fix said.
More From GOBankingRates
- 7 McDonald's Toys Worth Way More Today
- 4 Companies as Much as Tripling Prices Due To Tariffs
- Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On
- Mark Cuban Tells Americans To Stock Up on Consumables as Trump's Tariffs Hit -- Here's What To Buy
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What Does It Cost To Charge a Tesla Model 3 vs. a Tesla Model Y?
