How Much Does It Cost To Use A Tesla Supercharger?
If you are considering switching to an electric vehicle, such as a Tesla, you will probably want to do all of your research first. This means knowing exactly how much it will cost to run a Tesla, how much it costs to charge it, and where you can charge it.
Tesla is one of the biggest names taking the EV world by storm. As a result, more and more people are opting to own one of these exceptional vehicles, and as a result, you can find Tesla charging stations worldwide.
While all Tesla models come equipped with a charging adapter to use in your own home, the company also suggests installing a Wall Connector outside your home to charge your vehicle up overnight, ready for use in the morning.
However, Tesla also provides a network of Superchargers and Destination Chargers across the globe. So what exactly is a Supercharger, and how much does it cost?
What is A Tesla Supercharger?
Tesla Superchargers can be found worldwide, with 2,500 Tesla Supercharger Stations across the United States and up to 35,000 Superchargers worldwide.
So, what are they? Well, Superchargers do everything it says on the package. They are super fast charging stations to charge your Tesla’s battery.
A Supercharger will deliver energy rapidly to your vehicle and slow down as the battery fills up. On average, a Tesla Supercharger can consistently deliver 72 kilowatts (kW) of power, even if other Teslas are connected at the same time.
This provides a fast, efficient charging service for your vehicle, as a Supercharger can recharge your vehicle’s battery up to 80% in just 40 minutes.
Depending on the vehicle, Superchargers can add up to 200 miles of range to your car in just 15 minutes! This is why this broad network of fast charging, exceptional Superchargers is so widely available.
When you’re on the road, you don’t want to run out of battery, so a Supercharger is the perfect solution to your needs, providing quick and efficient energy so that you can hop back in your car and on your way as fast as possible, with no delays.
Where Can I Find A Tesla Supercharger?
Luckily, there are over 35,000 Superchargers worldwide, so plenty are nearby. In addition to this, if you are low on battery, your Tesla can direct you to the nearest available Supercharging station so that you never have to worry about running out of charge.
You are also able to monitor your charging progress on your instrument panel on your Tesla app whilst your vehicle is attached to the Supercharger, so you know how long you have to wait.
You can also access the Energy app on your Tesla’s touchscreen to see what battery level you are at, and whether you need to recharge or not.
One of the perks is that you can use your in-built Trip Planner on your vehicle, which will route you through Superchargers on your way to your destination, so you can always easily find a Supercharger when needed.
How Much Does It Cost To Use A Tesla Supercharger?
When you use a Tesla Supercharger, you will be billed on your Tesla account per kWh (kilowatt-hour), as this is the fairest and simplest method to charge you. In some locations, you can be charged per minute of use.
Superchargers are owned by Tesla and cost about $0.25 per kW on average, but the prices can vary depending on the location.
For example, if you have a Tesla Model Y, and the cost of charging is about $0.22 per kWh, with a 95% efficiency on a Supercharger, then you are looking at spending about $17.21 to fully charge your Tesla.
Using a Supercharger can be more costly than charging at home. However, if you are traveling, then it is a necessity. That being said, using a Supercharger and the monthly charging costs are still cheaper than paying for gas!
You may notice that your electric bill goes up about $20 to $50 when you become a Tesla owner due to all of the battery charging. However, the cost of running a Tesla is still so much less than a gas-powered vehicle, so you can save money over time.
Are Tesla Superchargers Free?
For some Tesla owners, Superchargers are actually free! If you have an older Tesla model, then you can use the Supercharging networks absolutely free. However, any Tesla ordered after 15th January 2017 will have to pay to use the Supercharging stations.
That being said, most Tesla vehicles come with 400 kWh in Supercharging credits a year, which equates to around 1,000 miles annually for free!
Should I Use A Tesla Supercharger Every Time I Charge My Tesla?
No, it is not advised to use a Tesla Supercharger every time you want to charge up your vehicle. These charging stations are fast and efficient but are intended for long-distance travel and long journeys.
Supercharging is effective, but if used a lot over time, it can damage the battery and reduce the lifespan of your vehicle battery.
Using a Supercharger for all your daily and weekly charging needs is also expensive. It is better for your vehicle and your bank account to charge your Tesla conveniently at home!
Summary
To summarize, you can charge your Tesla when you are on the go with a Supercharger. However, this does tend to cost more than it would recharge your battery with your Tesla’s home charger.
On average, it can cost anywhere from $15 to $20 to fully recharge your battery, depending on the model, and how much battery was remaining when you arrived.
