Tesla has been the face of American EVs since it launched the modern all-electric revolution with the release of the original Roadster in 2008.
With its first vehicle rolling off the lines in 2021, Rivian is a relative upstart — but the brand’s long-range batteries, innovative features and impressive on- and off-road capabilities have already earned the nameplate fierce customer loyalty.
But what does it cost to charge and drive one every month compared to the other? The following analysis breaks it down.
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EV-to-EV Showdowns Must Rely On Averages
Precision is notoriously elusive with head-to-head cost-to-drive comparisons between different EVs because of variables like:
- Where you drive: EVs cost more to drive on the highway than in the city — the opposite of gas cars — because regenerative braking benefits from more frequent stopping.
- Where you live: Utility costs can vary dramatically from locality to locality.
- When you charge: The cost of electricity fluctuates throughout the day, with off-peak charging offering substantial discounts over charging during times of high demand.
With that in mind, GOBankingRates used averages and estimates to see how Tesla’s bestselling vehicle, the Model Y, stacks up against the bestseller from Rivian, the R1S.
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Cost To Charge at Home
The most cost-effective way to charge any EV is to plug it in at home. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average cost of residential electricity in 2025 is 16.79 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which the following analysis uses to smooth out volatility in energy pricing.
Here’s how the brands stack up, presuming 1,000 miles driven per month to meet the 12,000-mile annual standard.
Rivian
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a 2025 Rivian R1S requires 43 kWh to travel 100 miles. That’s 430 kWh per 1,000 miles. At 16.79 cents per kWh, that’s 7,219 cents, or $72.19 per month.
Tesla
According to the DOE, a 2025 Model Y (long range) requires 29 kWh to travel 100 miles, or 290 kWh per 1,000 miles. That’s 4,869.1 cents, or $48.69 per month.
The Cost More Than Doubles When Charging on the Road
According to AAA, the average cost for all commercial public charging, including Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3/DC Fast Charging stations, is roughly $0.37 per kWh as of July 31.
Therefore, if they charged only on the road, the Tesla driver would pay $107.30 per month instead of just under $49. As for the Rivian, the monthly bill jumps from a little over $72 to $159.10.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What Does It Cost To Charge a Tesla Monthly Compared To a Rivian?
