As the world shifts towards cleaner, greener energy sources, electric vehicles have become increasingly popular. Tesla, the leader in electric vehicle production, has made great strides in the industry with the production of the Tesla Model 3. This car is not only environmentally friendly, but also efficient and stylish, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts. One of the major concerns of potential electric vehicle owners is the cost of charging their cars. In this article, we will examine the cost of charging a Tesla Model 3 at home and at Tesla Supercharging stations.
Home Charging Cost for Tesla Model 3
The cost of charging a Tesla Model 3 at home depends on several factors, including the cost of electricity in your area, the capacity of your charger, and how often you use it. According to Tesla, the Model 3 Long Range version has a battery capacity of 75 kWh, which can provide a range of up to 358 miles on a single charge. However, most Model 3 owners opt for the Standard Range Plus version, which has a battery capacity of 50 kWh and a range of up to 263 miles.
Assuming an average cost of $0.12 per kWh of electricity, charging a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus from empty to full at home would cost about $6. This is based on the assumption that the battery is completely empty, and the charging efficiency is 100%. In reality, charging efficiency may vary depending on various factors such as ambient temperature, the charging rate, and the condition of the battery.
Another factor to consider when charging a Tesla at home is the capacity of your charger. The Model 3 comes with a standard onboard charger that can handle up to 11.5 kW of power, which translates to roughly 44 miles of range per hour of charging. However, Tesla also offers a High Power Wall Connector, which can provide up to 48 amps of charging power and can fully charge a Model 3 in as little as 7.5 hours.
The cost of installing a High Power Wall Connector varies depending on your location and the complexity of the installation. In general, the cost of installation can range from $500 to $1,500. If you need a substation or panel upgrade, it will add more to the cost. A longer run of wire from your panel will also have a larger cost. Are you okay with conduit being visible on the outside of your wall? If not, having a wall re-drywalled also adds more cost.
Supercharging Cost for Tesla Model 3
While home charging is convenient and cost-effective, there are times when you may need to charge your Tesla Model 3 on the go. Tesla Supercharging stations are designed to provide fast and convenient charging for Tesla vehicles on long road trips or when you’re away from home. Superchargers are located along major highways and in urban areas, and they can provide up to 170 miles of range in about 30 minutes of charging.
The cost of charging at a Tesla Supercharging station varies depending on your location and the time of day. In some locations, the cost is calculated on a per-kWh basis, while in others, it is calculated based on the time you spend charging. In general, the cost of charging at a Tesla Supercharging station is higher than the cost of charging at home, but it is still reasonable compared to the cost of gasoline.
As of 2021, the average cost of Supercharging is around $0.28 per kWh. This means that charging a Model 3 Standard Range Plus from empty to full at a Supercharging station would cost approximately $14. However, the cost may vary depending on your location, time of day, and the number of Supercharging stations in the area. It’s always a good idea to check the Tesla Supercharger app or website for the most up-to-date pricing information before embarking on a long road trip.
One thing to keep in mind when using a Supercharging station is that the charging speed may decrease as your battery fills up. This is because the charging speed is highest when the battery is at a lower state of charge and slows down as it approaches full capacity. Therefore, it’s recommended to charge your Tesla Model 3 at a Supercharging station only when necessary and not rely on it as your primary charging source.
It’s also worth noting that Tesla offers a Supercharger network credit program that provides free Supercharging to new Tesla owners. The credit amount and duration vary depending on the promotion and the model of the Tesla vehicle. So, if you’re a new Tesla owner, it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for this program.
Factors that Affect Charging Costs
There are several factors that can affect the cost of charging a Tesla Model 3 at home or at a Supercharging station. These factors include:
- Electricity rates: The cost of electricity varies depending on your location and the time of day. In general, electricity rates are lower during off-peak hours, so it’s a good idea to charge your Tesla at home during these times to save money.
- Charging speed: The faster you charge your Tesla, the more it will cost. Charging at a higher rate also puts more stress on the battery, which can reduce its lifespan over time.
- Battery capacity: The cost of charging your Tesla will vary depending on the capacity of your battery. A larger battery will cost more to charge than a smaller one.
- Ambient temperature: Cold temperatures can reduce the efficiency of the battery, which can increase the cost of charging. In extremely cold conditions, it may be necessary to preheat the battery before charging to improve efficiency.
- Charging frequency: The more you charge your Tesla, the more it will cost. Therefore, it’s important to plan your charging schedule to avoid unnecessary charging.
Conclusion
The cost of charging a Tesla Model 3 at home or at a Supercharging station depends on several factors, including the cost of electricity in your area, the capacity of your charger, and how often you use it. In general, home charging is more cost-effective than using a Supercharging station, but Supercharging is convenient for long road trips or when you’re away from home. Tesla also offers a Supercharger network credit program that provides free Supercharging to new Tesla owners. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of charging can vary depending on several factors, including electricity rates, charging speed, battery capacity, ambient temperature, and charging frequency. By considering these factors and planning your charging schedule accordingly, you can reduce the cost of charging your Tesla Model 3 and enjoy the many benefits of owning an electric vehicle.