Charging a Tesla fully costs roughly $12–$55+, depending heavily on where you charge (home vs. Supercharger), local electricity rates, and the Tesla model's battery size (e.g., 60kWh to 80kWh), with home charging often $10-$40 and Superchargers $20-$70+ (for a full charge from empty), but typically only topping up for $10-$30 on trips, saving significantly over petrol.
How much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla at a charging station? The cost to fully charge a Tesla with a Supercharger can range from $17.81 to over $70, depending on the rates and fees at the Supercharger station.
Using an average figure of 45c / kWh for public chargers in Australia (Expect to pay more for high-speed DC chargers), the cost to charge a RWD Model 3 or Model Y comes out to $28.90, while the cost to charge the larger 75 kWh battery in the Long Range and Performance variants costs $33.75 as of 2025.
Charging Options: Level 1 (3–5 mi/hr), Level 2 (30–44 mi/hr), and Superchargers (200 mi/15–30 min) suit different needs; solar and the Tesla app improve efficiency and reduce costs. A fully charged Tesla can last between 267 and 405 miles, depending on the model and configuration.
Tesla is charging you $9.99/month for Premium Connectivity, a subscription service that provides cellular data for features like live traffic, satellite-view maps, video/music streaming (with your own accounts), and Sentry Mode live viewing on the Tesla app, enhancing your car's infotainment beyond standard Wi-Fi. You're likely being charged after a trial ended, or you purchased a used Tesla where standard connectivity benefits expire, making Premium Connectivity the paid option for these features.
One of the main advantages of charging an EV at home is that it is generally cheaper than charging at a public station. According to a 2017 report, a person charging an EV at home pays an average of $0.11 per kWh, while a public charging station costs an average of $0.17 per kWh1.
This feature enables breathtaking acceleration, a hallmark of Tesla vehicles. However, the instant surge of power can place significant strain on the tires, especially in high-performance models. Rear tires on vehicles like the Tesla Model S and Model X often experience accelerated wear as a result.
Complete Power Loss
If you continue driving, the car will eventually lose the ability to move and will come to a stop. At this point, you'll need roadside assistance or a tow to the nearest charging station. This gradual process is designed to give you multiple opportunities to find a charger before you're stranded.
Based on what we're seeing with Tesla batteries, they can be expected to last up to 20 years – roughly the same amount of time that the vehicle will be in operation. However, a Tesla battery lifespan is influenced by usage, charging behaviors, temperature, and battery configuration of the vehicle.
Generally, Tesla Supercharging in Australia is pay-per-use, but Tesla occasionally offers promotions with free Supercharging credits (e.g., 5,000 km) or even lifetime free charging with specific new or used vehicle purchases, like the Model Y Long Range or Model 3, often tied to inventory stock or limited-time sales. Free Supercharging is usually linked to the car, not the owner, and you can check for credits in the Tesla app, but these offers change, so it's essential to check current promotions for new car purchases or look for older models that came with free charging.
Yes, charging your Tesla to around 80-90% daily is generally recommended for best battery health, reserving 100% charges for long trips, as it reduces stress on the battery, though the ideal percentage depends on your battery type (LFP vs. NMC) and daily needs, with LFP batteries being more flexible and needing a monthly 100% calibration charge.
No, most Tesla Superchargers are not free; they operate on a pay-per-use model where you pay for the electricity (kWh), with costs varying by location and time, but some specific cars or promotions (like older Model S/X) might include free charging credits, and other public Level 2 chargers at places like hotels or shopping centers sometimes offer complimentary charging.
Time-Of-Use Rate Plans
By taking advantage of lower rates during off-peak and super off-peak periods, you can avoid higher weekday rates when energy resources are in demand. Electricity prices are typically lower early in the day, overnight, and on the weekends.
Customers who purchase or lease a new Model X are eligible for free Supercharging during your ownership of the vehicle. Offer is tied to your Tesla Account and cannot be transferred to another vehicle, person or order, even in the case of ownership transfer.
Transportation services are provided free-of-charge to the nearest Tesla Store, or to your home, if the Tesla Store or your home is located within 25 miles (40 kms) of the incident. Malfunctions determined to be caused by abuse or negligence, as described in the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, will not be covered.
It is expected for a Tesla vehicle to consume around 1% of charge per day while parked. In some cases, you may notice that consumption is higher.
Mobile Connector
Portable and convenient, charge your Tesla vehicle wherever you are. Mobile Connector adds up to 3 miles of range per hour (or 1.3 kW) on standard household outlets or up to 30 miles (or 7.6 kW) on a 240 V outlet.
People are selling their Teslas due to backlash against CEO Elon Musk's politics and public stances, significant depreciation and high used prices compared to competitors, increased competition from other EV brands, and some dissatisfaction with Tesla's brand direction, leading to a mix of political alignment and financial considerations driving the trend.
If the damage is covered under the plan's Terms and Conditions, we will take care of the tire repairs for free or replace the tire or wheel subject to a deductible. For immediate roadside services, Tesla Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 365 days a year.
The "3% tire rule" is a guideline for replacing tires, stating that the new tire's overall diameter should not vary more than ±3% from the original to maintain speedometer accuracy, proper handling, and function of safety systems like ABS and traction control. Going outside this range can cause speedometer errors, clearance issues, and strain on the engine and transmission, while a separate (and false) "3-tire rule" rumor suggests insurance won't cover vandalism if only three tires are damaged.
The 80/20 rule for electric cars is a guideline suggesting you keep your battery charge between 20% and 80% for daily driving to maximize battery health and lifespan, avoiding deep discharges below 20% and frequent full charges to 100% which stress the battery. While not a strict law, it reduces strain, prevents range anxiety (by keeping a buffer), and improves overall battery longevity, though you should charge to 100% for long trips when needed.
Rowan Atkinson, a self-proclaimed car enthusiast and early EV adopter, wrote a 2023 Guardian op-ed feeling "duped" by EV claims, arguing they aren't the environmental panacea they seem due to battery production pollution and ethical concerns over mining, suggesting keeping petrol cars longer might be better and calling EVs "soulless" despite their performance. His piece sparked criticism, with some blaming it for slowing UK EV adoption, while others defended his reasonable points about EV lifecycle impacts.
In this handy guide, we'll take a closer look at the disadvantages of electric cars, including: Limited battery range. Battery lifespan concerns. Charging infrastructure worries.