Tesla Model S Charging Cost in United States
By mht-dev, Frontend Engineer & Creator
Estimate the cost and time to charge a Tesla Model S (full battery electric vehicle / BEV) in United States, calculated from its battery capacity and local electricity rates, both at public DC fast charging and at home.
Tesla Model S specifications
- Usable battery capacity
- 95 kWh
- DC fast-charge power (peak)
- 250 kW
- AC charge power (onboard)
- 11 kW
- Manufacturer-claimed range
- 410 mi (EPA)
- Realistic range estimate
- 410 mi
- Estimated efficiency
- 4.3 mi/kWh
- Estimated charging cost per 100 km
- $2.59
- Battery chemistry
- NMC
A real-world estimate discounted from the manufacturer's claimed figure; actual distance depends on driving style, speed, and conditions.
Estimated from the realistic range, not a measured consumption figure; actual use varies with driving and conditions.
Tesla Model S charging cost & time
| Scenario | Energy | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public DC 20% → 80% | 57 kWh | 26 minutes | $27.36 |
| Public DC 0% → 100% | 95 kWh | 1 hours 7 minutes | $45.60 |
| At home (AC) 20% → 80% | 57 kWh | 5 hours 11 minutes | $10.26 |
Tesla Model S charging time by charger power
How long the Tesla Model S takes to charge at different charger power levels, capped by its own onboard limits.
| Charger | Power | Charge | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard outlet | 2.2 kW | 0% → 100% | 43 hours 11 minutes |
| Home wallbox | 7 kW | 0% → 100% | 13 hours 34 minutes |
| Public AC | 11 kW | 0% → 100% | 8 hours 38 minutes |
| DC fast | 250 kW | 10% → 80% | 30 minutes |
AC rows assume constant charging power and a 0% to 100% charge. Real times vary with the onboard charger, temperature, and the charger you use.
The DC fast row (10% to 80%) is anchored to a measured charging time for this model, so it reflects the real charging curve. Times still vary with temperature and conditions.
Charging speed
Based on measured data, the Tesla Model S charges 10% → 80% on DC fast charging in about 30 minutes, peaking at around 250 kW. Avg ~140 kW 10-80% on Supercharger; EV-DB Model S Dual Motor (95 kWh usable, matched).
The Tesla Model S is estimated to charge from 20% to 80% on public DC fast charging in about 26 minutes (ultra-fast DC).
As of 2026-05-29
Battery care
This car uses an NMC battery. For daily use, charging to about 80% and topping up to 100% only before long trips helps it last longer; heat is the main thing that ages it.
Savings vs a petrol car
This charge adds about 246 mi of range for $27.36. Driving the same distance on petrol would cost:
| Engine size | Petrol cost | You save |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 1000 cc | $25.66 | -$1.70 |
| 1000–1500 cc | $30.32 | $2.96 |
| 1500–2000 cc | $37.32 | $9.96 |
| 2000–2500 cc | $44.32 | $16.96 |
| > 2500 cc | $53.65 | $26.29 |
Estimated from typical combined fuel use by engine size and Regular gasoline at $4.46/gal. Charging at home saves the most; actual figures vary with driving and conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model S from 20% to 80%?
- Charging a Tesla Model S from 20% to 80% at a public DC fast charger costs about $27.36.
How long does it take to charge a Tesla Model S?
- Charging a Tesla Model S from 20% to 80% at a public DC fast charger takes about 26 minutes.