Let's break it down in simple terms, because EV charging doesn't need to be a headache.
Time & Cost Of Charging at a Supercharger
Time Needed: At a Tesla Supercharger, you can go from "empty" to "80% charged" in around 30 minutes, or if you're in a hurry, 15 minutes will give you a cool 200 miles of range.
Cost: Supercharger rates are still giving us a bit of sticker shock. During peak hours (8 am to 12 am), you're looking at an average of around $0.39 per kWh. If you're a night owl, those off-peak hours (12 am to 4 am) offer a sweeter deal at $0.14 per kWh. Prices can vary from $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh, depending on where you plug in.
It's worth noting that the cost of charging at a charging station has increased significantly in the past year with the growing popularity of Teslas. With more cars on the road we can expect Tesla to capitalize on your convenience further, making home charging a more attractive solution than ever.
Cost of Charging at a Normal Public Tesla Charger Station
Time Needed: You'll find Level 2 public chargers hanging out just about everywhere. They'll typically need around 4 to 8 hours to fill your battery. If you stumble upon a Level 1 charger, it can take 12-20 hours or more.
Cost: On average, at most Tesla Supercharging stations, you'll fork out about $0.28 per kWh, which is double the home rate. If you're into minutes, it's $0.26 per minute above 60 kW and $0.13 per minute at or below 60 kW.
If you're price-conscious, some businesses are trying to get local customers hooked on their spot by offering free charging at their premises.
Charging at Home: Level 2 Charger
Time Needed: Your Level 2 charger takes about 4-8 hours to give your Tesla a full recharge, depending on the battery size and the charger's strength.
Cost: Charging up at home with a Level 2 charger is a breeze. On average, you're looking at about $0.13 per kWh. To put it in perspective, fully charging a Tesla Model 3 Long Range with a 50 kWh battery at home will cost you around $6.50.
The true price of your charge depends on the cost of electricity from the grid in your state. For example in Arizona the cost per kWh is much lower than in California. By installing a smart charging system you can automate when your car charges, using AI to prioritize the lowest cost hours of the day for even more cost effective Tesla charging at home.
Charging at Home: Level 1 Charger
Time Needed: Level 1 chargers, the ones that come with your Tesla, are cheap but painfully slow. They'll take roughly 12-20 hours or more to get your Tesla to a full charge.
Cost: Charging your Tesla at home with a Level 1 charger uses your home's electricity at a snail's pace of 110v. Generally it costs the same as a level 2 charger, although sometimes the charging adapters/converters are less efficient.
The Benefits and Costs of Each Charging Method
Superchargers are like that fancy coffee shop with the high prices, but they get the job done fast. Public chargers are unpredictable, you never know how much they'll cost. Home charging with a Level 1 charger is cheap but painfully slow; Level 2 is that perfect balance of quick, efficient and cost-effective.
Installation Costs
Why You Should Have an Electrician Install a Home Level 2 Charger: It's essential to have a pro handle your Level 2 charger installation. Level 2 chargers run on 230/240v electrical systems, which are not installed as standard in most American homes. That means you need to get an extra circuit popped into your home by a professional electrician.
Installation Costs: In California, installation costs for your EV charger are in the ballpark of $450 to $1500, including parts and labor (but not including the cost of the wall charger hardware). Specifically for Tesla owners, you'll be looking at around $500 for the Tesla Wall Connector itself.
Wrapping it up
Whether you're cruisin' down the Pacific Coast Highway or catching the desert breeze in Arizona, the choice of charging method for your Tesla is all about finding the right spot. Home charging is still the way to go for those budget-conscious owners, Rizzo Electric can install a Tesla Wall Connector at your home. See our Tesla Wall Connector installation services or request a free Tesla charger quote.
