Is it cheaper to charge Tesla at home or at supercharger?

Plugging In the Savings: Is Charging Your Tesla Cheaper at Home or at a Supercharger?

For many new Tesla owners, one of the first questions that pops into their heads is, “Where am I going to charge this thing, and how much is it going to cost?” While the allure of the open road and Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network is undeniable, a crucial question remains: is it cheaper to juice up your Tesla at home or on the go? The answer, for most Tesla drivers, leans heavily towards the convenience and affordability of home charging.

The key difference boils down to one simple factor: electricity rates. Your residential electricity bill is almost certainly going to offer you a more favorable price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) compared to the prices charged at a Tesla Supercharger station. Let’s break down why:

• Residential Electricity Rates: Home electricity rates are generally regulated and designed for a wide range of consumer needs. Utility companies purchase electricity in bulk and distribute it to homes, often with pricing structures that include tiers, time-of-use rates, and other options to help consumers manage their energy consumption and costs.

• Supercharger Rates: Superchargers, on the other hand, are designed for rapid, on-demand charging, catering to drivers on long journeys or those who don’t have access to home charging. This convenience comes at a premium. Tesla needs to cover the cost of installing and maintaining the Supercharger infrastructure, including the high-voltage equipment, network connectivity, and real estate.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves:

To illustrate the cost difference, let’s consider a hypothetical scenario. Let’s say your home electricity rate is $0.15 per kWh, and the average Supercharger rate in your area is $0.40 per kWh. A Tesla Model 3 with a 75 kWh battery would cost:

• Home Charging: 75 kWh * $0.15/kWh = $11.25 for a full charge.
• Supercharger Charging: 75 kWh * $0.40/kWh = $30.00 for a full charge.

In this example, charging at home is significantly cheaper, saving you around $18.75 for a full charge. Over the course of a year, these savings can really add up, potentially offsetting the cost of installing a home charging solution.

Factors That Can Influence the Cost:

While home charging is generally cheaper, a few factors can influence the final cost comparison:

• Time-of-Use Rates: Many utility companies offer time-of-use (TOU) rates, which charge different prices for electricity depending on the time of day. Charging your Tesla during off-peak hours, typically overnight, can significantly lower your charging costs.

• Supercharger Idle Fees: Tesla charges idle fees if you leave your car plugged in at a Supercharger after it’s fully charged. Avoiding these fees is crucial to keeping your charging costs down.

• Free Supercharging (Limited Availability): Some older Tesla vehicles came with free Supercharging for life. If you own one of these vehicles, Supercharging will obviously be the cheaper option. However, this perk is no longer widely offered.

• Solar Power: If you have solar panels on your home, you can essentially charge your Tesla for free (beyond the initial investment in the solar system). This is the ultimate cost-saving solution for eco-conscious Tesla owners.

The Verdict:

While Superchargers are indispensable for road trips and situations where home charging isn’t an option, home charging is generally the more economical choice for the vast majority of Tesla owners. The lower electricity rates and the flexibility to charge overnight make it a clear winner in terms of cost-effectiveness. By carefully managing your charging habits and taking advantage of time-of-use rates, you can maximize your savings and enjoy the benefits of electric vehicle ownership without breaking the bank. Ultimately, plugging in at home is often the best way to plug into savings.