If you’ve been thinking about switching to an electric car, or you already drive one, you’ve probably asked the big question at least once. How much does it cost to charge a Tesla?
It’s a smart thing to ask, especially in Utah and Idaho where people drive a lot. Between commuting, weekend trips, winter weather, and highway miles, charging costs can shift depending on how and where you charge. Still, most drivers find it easier to budget for charging than they expected.
In this guide, we’ll break down the real world cost of charging, how electricity rates in Utah and Idaho impact your monthly total, and what you can do to keep charging more cost-effective year round.
The Simple Formula Behind Charging Costs
Charging is based on energy use. Your electric company bills you per kWh, which stands for kilowatt-hour. Your vehicle also uses kWh to drive.
Here’s the basic math:
Cost of charging = kWh added × cost per kWh
So if you add 40 kWh and your electric rate is $0.13 per kWh, the charging cost is about $5.20.
That formula stays the same in every situation. The differences come from your driving habits, the vehicle’s efficiency, and your charging location.
What kWh Means in Real Life
A kilowatt-hour is just a measurement of electricity. For charging, it helps to think of your battery as a tank. The size of that tank is your battery capacity, sometimes called battery size.
A larger battery usually gives you more range. It also means you add more kWh during a full recharge. Over time, that can increase your monthly total. Your driving style matters too. Hard acceleration, higher speeds, and winter energy demands can cause you to use more kWh per mile.
Average Electricity Rates in Utah and Idaho
Most charging at home depends on local electricity rates. While your exact number depends on your utility, many Utah and Idaho drivers pay around $0.10 to $0.16 per kWh. That makes it easy to estimate charging costs quickly.
If you add 50 kWh at home, you’re looking at:
- 50 kWh × $0.12 = $6.00
- 50 kWh × $0.15 = $7.50
This is why home charging is usually the most affordable option. It’s also the easiest to plan for since you control the time of day and frequency.
What a Full Charge Might Cost at Home
A full charge depends on how large the battery is, and how empty it is when you plug in. Most people do not charge from near zero to 100 percent every time. Still, it helps to see the math.
Let’s say you add about 70 kWh at home.
At typical home rates, that’s around:
- 70 kWh × $0.12 = $8.40
- 70 kWh × $0.15 = $10.50
That’s a strong reminder that charging at home can stay predictable, even if you drive a lot.
Monthly Charging Cost in Utah and Idaho
Most people care more about the monthly cost than the full charge cost. That’s the number you’ll actually budget around, especially if you drive daily. Here’s a realistic example. If you drive around 1,000 miles per month and average about 3 to 4 miles per kWh, you’ll use roughly 250 to 330 kWh.
At $0.13 per kWh, your monthly cost would be:
- 250 kWh × $0.13 = $32.50
- 330 kWh × $0.13 = $42.90
That range is a good baseline for many Utah and Idaho drivers using mostly home charging.
If you want a deeper breakdown, check out our guide on how many miles a Tesla typically lasts over its lifetime to see how range and battery longevity impact real-world ownership.
Why Charging Efficiency Changes the Total
Charging isn’t perfectly efficient. Some energy is lost during the process, especially when your battery is cold or the system is working harder to manage temperatures. This is known as charging efficiency.
In real terms, if your car adds 50 kWh to the battery, it might pull slightly more than 50 kWh from the wall. That means your total cost may be a little higher than your battery math. In Utah and Idaho winters, charging efficiency can drop more often. Cold weather makes the battery work harder to warm itself. That uses energy, even before the car starts building range.
Public Charging vs Home Charging
Home charging is usually the most cost-effective. Public charging is helpful when you need it, but it can cost more. Public charging costs can vary because pricing depends on the network and the equipment. Some stations charge per kWh. Others charge by time.
A public charging station is still worth using in plenty of situations. It works well for travel days, longer commutes, apartment living, and quick top offs between errands. If you want the easiest public option for road travel, a Tesla Supercharger can be convenient and fast. Pricing can vary by location and can change depending on time of day at some sites.
A Simple Cost Comparison Table
Here’s an easy way to picture the range of charging costs. These numbers are examples to help you estimate.
Off Peak Charging Can Save You Money
Many Utah and Idaho drivers lower their charging costs by charging at night. That’s because some utilities offer lower rates during off-peak times. If your plan includes off-peak hours, charging overnight can reduce your overall cost without changing your driving habits at all.
Some areas also have time-of-use plans. These reward charging during quiet hours and charge more during peak demand. A lot of drivers set a schedule and forget about it. That’s one of the easiest ways to keep charging affordable.
Cost Per Mile: The Best Way to Think About Charging
If you want the easiest real world estimate, focus on cost per mile. It helps you compare charging to gas without overthinking it.
Let’s use an example rate of $0.13 per kWh and efficiency of 3.5 miles per kWh.
$0.13 ÷ 3.5 = $0.037 per mile
That’s about 3.7 cents per mile.
Now compare that to fuel costs. If gas prices are $3.50 and a gas vehicle gets 25 mpg:
$3.50 ÷ 25 = $0.14 per mile
That’s about 14 cents per mile. Even with shifting electricity rates, charging is often far more cost-effective than gas for day to day driving.
Local Driving in Utah and Idaho Affects Range and Cost
Utah and Idaho have driving patterns that change how much energy you use. Longer highway commutes and colder temperatures can increase kWh use each month. In winter, range can drop faster because heating, battery conditioning, and snow tires all increase energy demand. Mountain driving can also use more power during climbs.
Many drivers choose a long range setup for this reason. It helps reduce stress during longer drives, especially in areas with fewer charging stations.
How Vehicle Choice Impacts Charging Costs
Different vehicles use different amounts of kWh. Heavier models often use more energy per mile.
A Tesla Model 3 tends to be more efficient, so it often has a lower cost per mile. A Tesla Model Y can still be efficient, but it may use slightly more energy depending on tires and driving style.
A Model X usually consumes more power because it’s larger and heavier. The Cybertruck also tends to use more energy, especially on highways and during cold weather. Your charging cost comes down to how many kWh you use each week. Vehicle size, speed, and climate all play into that.
If you want to understand what happens when a Tesla battery eventually wears out, including typical symptoms, lifespan expectations, and options at end of life, check out our guide on what happens when a Tesla battery dies.
Solar Panels: A Long Term Cost Saver
Many homeowners in Utah and Idaho consider adding solar panels to reduce charging costs. If your home produces enough power, your charging costs can drop a lot over time. Charging with solar power can also help stabilize your monthly electric bill. Some owners pair solar panels with battery backups like Powerwalls to store power and use it later.
Solar panels are not required to make charging affordable. Still, they can be a strong long term option if your home setup supports it.
Charger Setup and Installation Costs at Home
If you want faster charging, you may install a Level 2 charger at home. This improves convenience and charging speed, especially for longer daily drives. Installation costs depend on your home’s electrical panel and the distance from the panel to the parking area. Some homes need simple work. Others need a panel upgrade. Many drivers start with the setup they have, then upgrade later once they know their routine.
Gas Prices vs Charging Costs in Utah and Idaho
People often compare charging to the pump, and that comparison usually looks good. Gas prices can change quickly, and that makes budgeting harder. Charging costs tend to be steadier. Your rate might adjust over time, but it usually stays within a predictable range.
That stability helps many owners plan monthly driving expenses more easily.
Quick FAQ: How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Tesla?
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla per month?
Most people land around $30 to $70 per month charging mostly at home, depending on miles driven and electricity rates.
Does public charging cost more than home charging?
Yes, public charging tends to cost more, especially fast chargers. Home charging is usually the most affordable.
Do off-peak hours really matter?
Yes. Charging during off-peak hours can lower your cost of charging over time, especially if you drive a lot.
Want Help Estimating Charging Costs in Utah or Idaho?
At Axio Automotive, we help Utah and Idaho drivers compare charging options, understand electricity usage, and choose an electric vehicle setup that fits their lifestyle. If you drive long distances, want a long range option, or you’re considering home charging equipment, we’ll help you plan it out clearly. Stop by Axio Automotive today or contact us to talk through your options. We’re here to help.
