How Much Does it Cost to Charge a Tesla?
With gas prices at all-time highs, many people want to switch to an electric vehicle. One of the first things that most owners will want to know is how much it costs to charge a Tesla.
When it comes to charging a Tesla, there are several different options. Whether you want to set it at home, at work, or on a road trip, there are ways to save money.
Superchargers
There are many ways to charge an electric vehicle, and how much you pay for each one will vary depending on where you live and your specific needs. The cheapest way is to use a Supercharger, but you can also charge at home or through an alternative charging network.
The Tesla Supercharger network is one of the most extensive worldwide but only covers some cities. That’s why Tesla also encourages owners to install Level 2 chargers in their homes to reduce the cost of charging.
However, the cheapest way to charge a Tesla is still a Supercharger. If you own a pre-2017 model, you may be eligible for free Supercharging.
Tesla also plans to open its Supercharger network to other EV makers later this year. That means non-Tesla drivers can log in through the app and pay for their charges with a credit card. While that sounds great, it could also lead to problems with the reliability of Tesla’s fast-charging network.
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Wall Connectors
If you want to charge your Tesla at home, a wall connector can be the most convenient option. This type of charging station is compatible with most home electrical systems and can adjust power levels for various circuit breakers.
It also features wifi connectivity, allowing it to receive over-the-air firmware updates and remote diagnostics access. This helps improve the user experience and add new features to the charger.
The wall connector has a four-year equipment warranty that begins on the installation day. It also comes with a one-year artistry and external components warranty.
While wall connectors are relatively easy to install, it is recommended to have a qualified electrician do the work. This is because improper installation can cause sparking or house fires.
A level 2 charger may not be as fast or efficient as a Supercharger, but it is an affordable and reliable way to charge your Tesla at home. If you need to set up more than one vehicle, connecting multiple wall connectors for power sharing is possible.
Home Chargers
As with all EV charging, the cost of a home charger depends on where you live and the rates that your local power provider charges. According to Electrek, complete control on the Tesla Model S costs around $0.14 per kWh and can range from $4 to $5 for a fully charged Model X or Model Y.
In addition, the type of charger you choose will also affect its speed. For example, Level 1 home chargers (120 volts) are typically slow and inefficient.
But a level 2 (240 volts) home charger can replenish a depleted battery in a few hours. If you have a 240-volt outlet in your garage, you can plug your Tesla in to take advantage of this fast charging option.
However, this type of home charging isn’t recommended for new owners since it can be expensive to install and requires a specialized adapter that fits into your car’s mobile connector. Instead, a wall connector or utility charger is likely a better choice.
Utility Chargers
Many different factors go into determining how much it costs to charge your Tesla, including your battery size (kWh), the type of charger you’re using, and the speed at which it sets. These factors can vary depending on your specific EV and the location of the public charger you’re charging at.
For example, a Level 2 home charger can take 10-12 hours to charge a Tesla on a 110-volt power outlet, but it’s faster at a wall connector or on a public charger like Tesla Supercharger.
On the other hand, a Level 3 (400-volt) public charger is typically faster and can take as little as 30 minutes to charge your car. The cost can be anywhere from free to an hourly or per kW rate, depending on the charger you’re charging at and your location.
In some cases, utility companies attempt to build their charging stations with customers’ money. Still, these efforts have met a lot of skepticism from states that oppose utility-owned infrastructure. Some utilities are also attempting to get building owners to pay for their initial set of chargers, but this can be a risky business.
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