Tesla is one of the most popular and innovative electric car brands in the world. But how much does it cost to buy and own a Tesla?
In this blog post, we will answer this question and provide you with everything you need to know about Tesla prices, models, features, charging costs, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla offers four models of electric cars: Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. The prices range from $44,380 to $111,380 depending on the model, battery size, and performance.
- Tesla also has two upcoming models: the Roadster and the Cybertruck. The Roadster is expected to be the fastest and most expensive Tesla ever, while the Cybertruck is a futuristic pickup truck with a starting price of $39,900.
- Tesla owners can charge their cars at home or at one of the 17,000 Superchargers worldwide. The cost of charging a Tesla depends on the electricity rate, the battery size, and the charging speed. Charging at home is usually cheaper than using a Supercharger, but it takes longer.
- Tesla cars are designed to be safe, comfortable, and technologically advanced. They feature a minimalist interior with a large touchscreen display, a glass roof, a premium audio system, and over-the-air updates. They also have various driving modes, such as Autopilot and Plaid, that enhance the performance and convenience of driving.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Tesla?
The cost of buying a Tesla depends on which model you choose, how big of a battery you want, and what kind of performance you prefer. Here is a table that summarizes the prices of all Tesla models as of April 2023:
| Model | Base Price | Range (EPA est.) | Seating (Up to) | Cargo Capacity | Drive | Acceleration 0-60 mph | Top Speed (Up to) |
| Model 3 | $44,380 | 405 miles | 5 seats | 28 cu ft | AWD Dual Motor | 3.1s | 149 mph |
| Model Y | $56,380 | 330 miles | 7 seats | 76 cu ft | AWD Dual Motor | 4.8s | 135 mph |
| Model S | $96,380 | 405 miles | 5 seats | 28 cu ft | AWD Dual Motor | 3.1s | 149 mph |
| Model X | $111,380 | 360 miles | 7 seats | 88 cu ft | AWD Dual Motor | 2.5s | 163 mph |
As you can see, the Model 3 is the cheapest and most popular Tesla model, while the Model X is the most expensive and spacious one. The Model S and the Model Y are somewhere in between, offering a balance of luxury and practicality.
Tesla also offers some optional upgrades that can increase the price of your car. For example, you can choose a different color for your car (other than white), add a tow hitch, get full self-driving capability, or upgrade to a Performance or Plaid version that boosts the speed and power of your car.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Tesla?
Another factor that affects the cost of owning a Tesla is how much it costs to charge it. Unlike gas cars that need to visit a gas station regularly, electric cars can be charged at home or at public charging stations.
The cost of charging a Tesla depends on three main factors: the electricity rate in your area, the size of your car’s battery, and the speed of your charging station.
The electricity rate is how much you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity that you use. This varies depending on where you live and what time of day you charge your car. The average electricity rate in the US is about $0.13 per kWh, but it can be as low as $0.10 in North Dakota or as high as $0.34 in Connecticut.
The size of your car’s battery determines how much energy it can store and how far it can go on a single charge. The bigger the battery, the more energy it needs to fill up. For example, the Model 3 has a battery capacity of 75 kWh, while the Model X has a battery capacity of 100 kWh.
The speed of your charging station affects how long it takes to charge your car and how much it costs per minute. The faster the charging station, the more power it delivers and the more expensive it is. There are two main types of charging stations for Teslas: home chargers and Superchargers.
Home chargers are the most convenient and cheapest way to charge your Tesla. You can plug your car into a standard 120-volt outlet or install a 240-volt outlet that can charge your car faster.
A 120-volt outlet can charge your car at a rate of about 3 miles per hour, while a 240-volt outlet can charge your car at a rate of about 30 miles per hour. The cost of charging at home depends on your electricity rate and the size of your battery.
For example, charging a Model 3 from empty to full at home would cost between $7 and $24, depending on the electricity rate.
Superchargers are Tesla’s network of fast-charging stations that are located along major highways and in urban areas. They can charge your car from nearly empty to 80 percent in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the model and the battery size.
The cost of using a Supercharger depends on the location and the power level. Prices range from $0.25 per kWh to $0.50 per kWh, depending on the state. For example, charging a Model 3 from empty to full at a Supercharger would cost between $19 and $38, depending on the location.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Tesla?
Another aspect of owning a Tesla is how much it costs to maintain it. Tesla cars are designed to be low-maintenance and durable, but they still need some regular care and service.
Tesla recommends that you bring your car to a Tesla Service Center every year or every 12,500 miles, whichever comes first.
The annual service includes a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle’s systems and components, such as the brakes, tires, suspension, steering, cooling, fluids, belts, hoses, filters, and more. The annual service also includes software updates and any necessary repairs or replacements.
The cost of the annual service varies depending on the model and the service center. Tesla does not publish a fixed price list for its services, but some owners have reported paying between $200 and $600 for their annual service.
Some services may be covered by Tesla’s warranty or service plans, which can reduce the cost of maintenance.
Tesla also offers some online tools and resources that can help you monitor and maintain your car yourself.
For example, you can use the Tesla app to check your car’s status, schedule service appointments, request roadside assistance, access owner’s manuals, watch instructional videos, and more.
You can also use Tesla’s website to order parts and accessories for your car, such as tires, wipers, floor mats, chargers, adapters, and more.
What Are the Benefits of Owning a Tesla?
Owning a Tesla is not only about saving money on gas and maintenance. It is also about enjoying the benefits of driving an electric car that is safe, comfortable, and technologically advanced.
Tesla cars are designed to be safer than conventional cars
They have a rigid body structure that protects the occupants from impact forces. They also have a low center of gravity that reduces the risk of rollover.
They have advanced airbags and seat belts that adjust to the size and position of the passengers.
They have active safety features that prevent or mitigate collisions, such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.
They also have passive safety features that protect the battery from damage or fire in case of an accident.
Tesla cars are designed to be comfortable and spacious
They have a minimalist interior with a large touchscreen display that controls all the functions of the car. They have a glass roof that provides a panoramic view of the sky. They have a premium audio system that delivers high-quality sound.
They have ample legroom and cargo space for passengers and luggage. They also have various options for seating configurations and interior colors.
Tesla cars are designed to be technologically advanced
They have over-the-air updates that improve the performance and functionality of the car over time. They have various driving modes that enhance the driving experience, such as Autopilot and Plaid.
Autopilot is a semi-autonomous driving system that can steer, accelerate, brake, change lanes, park, and navigate on highways with minimal driver input. Plaid is a high-performance mode that increases the speed and power of the car to unprecedented levels.
Tesla cars also have various entertainment features that make driving more fun and enjoyable, such as gaming and streaming via Premium Connectivity.
Conclusion
Tesla is more than just a car brand. It is a lifestyle choice that reflects your values and preferences. If you are looking for an electric car that is safe, comfortable, and technologically advanced, then Tesla might be the right choice for you.