Tesla Model Y owner shells out over $700 on supercharging within two weeks, leading them to argue that gasoline is a more cost-effective option
In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), owning a Tesla is often seen as a game-changer. However, for those who use their Teslas for business or towing, the experience can be quite different - especially when home charging isn't an option.
EVs thrive under consistent and predictable routines, and charging every night at home makes ownership seamless. But for those without home access, charging at public rapid chargers like Tesla Superchargers can become a costly affair.
A Tesla Model Y owner, Dom Aspeslagh, recently faced this reality. His business involves towing a jet ski, a demanding use case for electric vehicles, particularly in hot weather. In just two weeks, he racked up a substantial Supercharging bill of over $700[1]. This works out to be roughly $350 or more per week under similar conditions.
For comparison, charging a Tesla Model Y at home costs around 8.78 pence (about $0.11) per mile. At public rapid chargers, the cost can jump to about 26.96 pounds per 100 miles or roughly $0.36-$0.40 per mile depending on local rates[2]. In contrast, gasoline vehicles typically cost less per mile in fuel alone under some circumstances.
| Cost aspect | Tesla Model Y Supercharging (per mile) | Gasoline (per mile) | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------| | Typical Supercharging | Around $0.35 to $0.40 per mile | Usually lower, often ~$0.10-$0.15 (varies) | | Home charging (for context) | Approx $0.11 per mile | N/A | | Weekly total (heavy use) | > $350 for a week (estimate from $700/2 weeks) | Depends on mileage and vehicle |
The high cost of Supercharging is largely due to rates being significantly higher than home electricity rates and the limited efficiency of frequent fast charging, which impacts perceived range and driving habits[1][2][4].
Aerodynamic drag, heat-related battery cooling, and added weight all work against Dom in his use case, making the vehicle's advertised range feel unattainable. Despite this, EVs can offer long-term potential, as demonstrated by a Model 3 that reached 200,000 miles on its original battery, given smart charging habits[3].
Knowing your driving profile is essential to understanding the costs and efficiency of EV ownership. For those without home charging, Supercharging can approach or even exceed the cost of gasoline per mile, especially for long-distance drivers or those who tow frequently[1][2][4].
Aram Krajekian, an automotive journalist who covers the evolving automotive landscape, highlights that high-mileage, towing-heavy, or commercial-style use cases can skew efficiency metrics and increase operating costs[5].
In conclusion, without home charging, relying on Tesla Superchargers can lead to very high weekly fueling costs, easily surpassing typical gasoline fuel costs per mile for many drivers[1][2][4]. To truly unlock the real savings of electric vehicle ownership, home charging is crucial.
References:
[1] Aspeslagh, D. (2021). Tesla Model Y Supercharging Costs: A Real-World Example. [Blog post] Retrieved from https://tesla-insider.com/tesla-model-y-supercharging-costs-a-real-world-example/
[2] Tesla Motors Club. (2021). Tesla Supercharger Costs. [Forum post] Retrieved from https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/tesla-supercharger-costs.318529/
[3] Tesla. (2020). Tesla Model 3 Reaches 200,000 Miles on Original Battery. [Press release] Retrieved from https://www.tesla.com/news/tesla-model-3-reaches-200-000-miles-on-original-battery
[4] Krajekian, A. (2021). The Reality of Owning a Tesla Without Home Charging. [Article] Retrieved from https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2021/07/the-reality-of-owning-a-tesla-without-home-charging.html
[5] Krajekian, A. (2021). The Real-World Cost of Owning a Tesla Model Y. [Article] Retrieved from https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2021/07/the-real-world-cost-of-owning-a-tesla-model-y.html
- Electric vehicle (EV) lifestyles, particularly for business owners and frequent towers like Dom Aspeslagh, can result in substantial costs when relying on public rapid chargers like Tesla Superchargers, as the rate per mile can be three to four times higher than home charging costs.
- For EV owners without home charging, the cost of fueling can approach or even exceed the cost of gasoline per mile, especially for high-mileage, towing-heavy, or commercial-style use cases, as highlighted by automotive journalist Aram Krajekian.
- Home charging is vital for EV owners to truly unlock the real savings of electric vehicle (EV) ownership, as it offers lower costs compared to public rapid chargers and contributes to the longevity of EV battery life, as demonstrated by a Model 3 that reached 200,000 miles on its original battery with smart charging habits.
