Electric vehicles are touted as being a cheaper alternative to gas-powered cars (that is, once you get past the MSRP). Oftentimes, the cost of charging a fully electric vehicle is going to come out less than filling up a hybrid like the Honda CR-V.
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If you want a better idea of what these vehicles will cost you before you commit, you’re in the right place. Here’s what it costs to charge a Tesla each month compared to filling up a Honda CR-V.
Tesla: Monthly Charging Costs
According to EnergySage, using the national average cost of electricity, it costs anywhere from $10.95 to $17.99 to fully charge a Tesla. It depends on the model, though:
- Tesla Model Y: $14.39
- Tesla Model X: $17.99
- Tesla Model S: $17.83
- Tesla Model 3: $10.95
Breaking it down even further, it costs about 4.56 cents per mile to charge. This is based on the idea that electricity costs about 15.64 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), on average.
Monthly charging costs depend on the model you choose and how often you drive. Take the Tesla Model Y as an example. On a full charge, it has an estimated range of 357 miles.
The latest data from the Federal Highway Administration found that the average person drives 13,476 miles a year, or about 1,123 miles a month. Taking the average, you’d have to fully charge your Tesla Model Y a little over three times a month. This breaks down to a little over $40 a month in charging costs.
Keep in mind that some energy is lost during the charging process. Estimates by NRG Clean Power put the total energy lost at about 6% to 10%. Tesla also recommends keeping your vehicle plugged in when not in use — including overnight. This is to keep your vehicle running at optimal levels.
You could also opt for an at-home charging station for your Tesla. The device itself costs anywhere from $300 to $650. Installation costs can be up to $1,500. You may qualify for a home charging incentive to help offset these costs, though.
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Honda CR-V: Monthly Gas Costs
Edmunds has a helpful estimator tool for monthly gas costs with the 2025 Honda CR-V. In North Carolina, for example, you may spend around $101 a month. In comparison, a typical SUV might cost around $173 a month.
These costs largely depend on your driving habits and where you live. The numbers above were estimated near Raleigh, North Carolina, which has a cost of living about 3% lower than the national average. In a Southern California ZIP code, however, Edmunds estimates the CR-V’s monthly gas cost at $156.
Comparing the Honda CR-V and Tesla
You might not find comprehensive data for the latest models online, but some sites — like Fuel Economy — will give you a side-by-side comparison of what you can expect to spend on older models. For example:
- 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD: It gets 37 mpg in combined city/highway. It has an estimated 518 miles of range and costs about $1,300 a year in fuel. You’d save an estimated $2,000 in fuel costs over five years compared to similar vehicles.
- 2024 Tesla Model S: This vehicle gets 122 mpg(e) combined city/highway. It has around 402 miles of total range and costs about $600 annually to charge. You’d save an estimated $5,500 in fuel costs over five years.
Consider the Cost of Insurance
One thing that’s worth mentioning is the cost of insuring your vehicle. Insurance for hybrids versus EVs can vary quite a bit, after all.
“On average, EVs tend to be more expensive to insure compared with hybrid vehicles due to their higher repair and replacement costs for critical components like the battery, which can easily cost thousands of dollars to replace if damaged,” said Chong Gao, director of product management R&D at Mercury Insurance.
Gao noted that insuring a hybrid vehicle may be cheaper since they have smaller batteries. Hybrids can still be more expensive to insure than traditional gas-powered vehicles, though.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What Does It Cost To Charge a Tesla Monthly Compared to Gas for a Honda CR-V?
