So, you’re considering a Tesla Model Y—a fantastic choice for navigating California’s highways and city streets. But beyond the sticker price, one of the biggest questions potential owners have is about the running costs. Specifically, how much will you actually spend on electricity to keep it charged?
The answer is more complex than simply buying a tank of gas, but it’s also where you’ll find significant savings. The cost to charge your Model Y depends heavily on where, when, and how you charge it. This guide breaks down the real-world costs for a California driver, from home charging during off-peak hours to using a Supercharger on a road trip.
Tesla Model Y Battery and Range at a Glance
First, let’s look at the car itself. The new Tesla Model Y comes in a few variations, but for this guide, we will focus on the popular Long Range All-Wheel Drive model.
- Usable Battery Capacity: Approximately 75 kWh (kilowatt-hours)
- EPA-Estimated Range: Around 310 miles on a full charge
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy, and it’s how electricity consumption is measured. Think of the 75 kWh battery as your “gas tank.” To fill it from empty to full, you need to add 75 kWh of electricity.
Your Charging Options: A Breakdown
You have several ways to charge your Model Y, each with different speeds and costs.
- Mobile Connector (Level 1): This is the basic charger that comes with the car and plugs into a standard 120-volt wall outlet. It’s the slowest option, often called “trickle charging.”
- Wall Connector (Level 2): This is a dedicated 240-volt charger installed at your home (like an outlet for an electric dryer). It offers much faster and more convenient home charging.
- Public Charging Stations (Level 2): These are charging points you find in public places like shopping centers, parking garages, and workplaces. They offer similar speeds to a home Wall Connector.
- Tesla Supercharger (Level 3): This is Tesla’s exclusive network of high-speed DC fast chargers, designed for long-distance travel and rapid top-ups.
The Cost of Charging at Home in California: Peak vs. Off-Peak
Charging at home is the most common and cost-effective method. However, in California, electricity prices vary dramatically depending on your utility provider (like PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E) and the time of day you charge. Most electric utilities have Time-of-Use (TOU) plans that are ideal for EV owners.
- Peak Hours: Usually in the late afternoon and early evening (e.g., 4 PM to 9 PM) when electricity demand is highest. Prices are at their most expensive during this time.
- Off-Peak Hours: Typically late at night and in the early morning (e.g., 12 AM to 6 AM). This is when electricity is cheapest.
Let’s use an average California electricity rate for our calculation. These are estimates, and your actual rates may vary.
- Average Peak Rate: $0.45 per kWh
- Average Off-Peak Rate: $0.25 per kWh
Charging a Model Y Long Range (75 kWh) from 0% to 100% at home would cost:
- During Peak Hours: 75 kWh x $0.45/kWh = $33.75
- During Off-Peak Hours: 75 kWh x $0.25/kWh = $18.75
You just saved $15 by charging your car while you sleep. Setting your Tesla to charge only during off-peak hours is the single best way to reduce your running costs.
Cost and Time Breakdown: Charging Your Model Y
Here is a table comparing the different charging methods for a Tesla Model Y Long Range, estimating the time and cost to go from 20% to 80% charge (a common charging scenario).
| Charging Method | Time (20% to 80%) | Average CA Cost (20% to 80%) | Cost per Mile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Connector (120V) | 30 – 40 hours | ~$11.25 (Off-Peak) | ~$0.06 | Overnight top-ups; if no other option |
| Wall Connector (240V) | 5 – 6 hours | ~$11.25 (Off-Peak) | ~$0.06 | Daily home charging; the primary method |
| Public Level 2 Station | 5 – 6 hours | $12 – $18 (Varies by network) | ~$0.08 | Charging at work or shopping |
| Tesla Supercharger | 20 – 25 minutes | $20 – $25 (Varies) | ~$0.12 | Road trips and quick charging needs |
Note: Costs are estimates based on adding ~45 kWh (60% of the 75 kWh battery). Supercharger pricing can vary by location and time. Charging speed slows as the battery gets closer to full.
A Deeper Look at the Numbers
Home Charging (Levels 1 & 2)
Your daily commute in California likely uses less than 40-50 miles of range. With a Wall Connector, you can replenish this in about an hour after you get home. By scheduling your charging for off-peak hours, you’re looking at a cost of around $2 to $3 per day for typical driving. This is a massive saving compared to the $15-$25 you might spend on gas for a similar-sized SUV.
Public Charging Stations
These are convenient when you’re out and about, but they are often more expensive than charging at home. Some are free (a perk offered by a business), while others charge by the hour or by the kWh. Always check the price in the PlugShare or Electrify America app before you plug in.
Tesla Superchargers
Superchargers are incredibly fast and convenient but are also the most expensive option. They are priced to reflect their speed and convenience, making them ideal for road trips from LA to San Francisco, not for daily charging. Relying solely on Superchargers would significantly increase your running costs, erasing much of the financial benefit of owning an EV.
Take Control of Your Charging Costs
Owning a Tesla Model Y in California can be incredibly cost-effective if you’re smart about how you charge it.
- Charge at Home: Make home charging your primary method. If you can, get a 240-volt Wall Connector installed.
- Charge Off-Peak: Program your car or charger to run only during off-peak hours. This is the biggest money-saver.
- Use Superchargers for Travel: Reserve the Supercharger network for long-distance trips, not your daily commute.
- Know Your Utility Plan: Log into your utility provider’s website and make sure you are on the best Time-of-Use plan for an EV owner.
By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy all the benefits of your new Tesla Model Y while paying just a fraction of what you used to spend at the gas pump.
