How much does it cost to Supercharge?

It typically costs about $0.25–$0.60 per kWh to use a Tesla Supercharger in the United States, with non‑Tesla pay‑per‑use pricing often 10–30% higher unless you add the optional Supercharging Membership (around $12.99/month in the U.S.) that lowers the per‑kWh rate. In practical terms, a 10–80% session on a midsize EV commonly lands in the $15–$30 range depending on location, time of day, and energy added. Pricing varies by country: many European sites run roughly €0.30–€0.75/kWh, and the UK often falls in the £0.35–£0.77/kWh band. Exact rates are posted for each site in the Tesla app and can change with local electricity costs and demand.

What determines the price?

Supercharging rates are dynamic and shaped by grid costs and site demand. Understanding the main drivers helps you forecast what you’ll pay before you plug in.

• Location and utility rates: Urban, high-demand, or high-cost electricity markets trend more expensive than rural or low-cost regions.
• Time-of-use pricing: Many Superchargers post peak and off-peak prices; off-peak windows can be materially cheaper.
• Vehicle and membership: Tesla owners see standard network rates; non‑Tesla drivers typically pay a higher “pay per use” rate unless they subscribe to the Supercharging Membership, which lowers the per‑kWh price.
• Billing method: Most sites bill per kWh; a minority still bill per minute (with power tiers) depending on local rules and hardware.
• Available charging power: On per‑minute sites, the tier your session occupies (based on kW delivered) affects cost.
• Taxes and fees: Local taxes may apply; some sites display tax-inclusive pricing.
• Idle/overstay fees: Remaining plugged in after charging completes can trigger idle fees per minute when the site is busy.
• Site congestion policies: Some locations add congestion or overstay charges at high occupancy; details appear in the app.
• Roaming and access: In regions where third-party access or adapters are required, pricing and availability can differ.

Each of these factors can move a session’s total cost by several dollars; checking the Tesla app before arrival is the best way to avoid surprises.

Typical costs by region (2025)

While Supercharger prices are site-specific, the ranges below reflect common real-world rates observed in 2024–2025. Your exact price will be shown in the Tesla app for the station you select.

• United States: About $0.25–$0.60/kWh at most sites; non‑Tesla pay‑per‑use is often higher unless you add the Supercharging Membership. Some legacy or special sites may still bill per minute with power tiers.
• Canada: Roughly C$0.30–C$0.70/kWh in provinces allowing per‑kWh billing; per‑minute billing may apply elsewhere with tiered rates.
• European Union: Commonly €0.30–€0.75/kWh, with notable variation by country, energy mix, and taxes. Off-peak discounts are increasingly common.
• United Kingdom: Frequently £0.35–£0.77/kWh depending on location and time-of-day pricing.
• Australia/New Zealand: Typically A$0.45–A$0.85/kWh in Australia and NZ$0.55–NZ$0.95/kWh in New Zealand, varying by site and grid costs.

These bands reflect recent averages; rapid changes in wholesale electricity or local policy can push individual sites below or above them.

Example sessions and cost math

Here are straightforward scenarios to help you estimate what you’ll pay, using common price points. Replace the numbers with the price shown in your app for a precise estimate.

• Midsize Tesla (e.g., Model Y) adding 50 kWh at $0.35/kWh: 50 × $0.35 = $17.50.
• Non‑Tesla on pay‑per‑use adding 55 kWh at $0.49/kWh: 55 × $0.49 ≈ $26.95; with a membership rate at $0.39/kWh, the same session would be ≈ $21.45.
• Per‑minute site, mostly in highest power tier at $0.42/min for 20 minutes: 20 × $0.42 = $8.40 (your app will show tier rates for that station).
• Per‑mile perspective: An efficient EV at 3.5 mi/kWh, paying $0.35/kWh, spends about $0.10 per mile; at $0.50/kWh, about $0.14 per mile.

Because charging speeds taper as batteries fill, stopping around 80% often minimizes time and cost without sacrificing trip convenience.

Memberships, idle fees, and other add-ons

Beyond the posted per‑kWh (or per‑minute) price, memberships and operational fees can change your total. Here’s what to know.

• Supercharging Membership for non‑Tesla drivers: In many markets (including the U.S.), an optional monthly membership (around $12.99/month in the U.S.) unlocks lower per‑kWh rates. Pricing and discounts vary by country and may change; confirm in the Tesla app.
• Idle fees: If your car remains parked after charging completes and the site is busy, Tesla applies idle fees per minute. In many regions, this is $0.50/min when the site is at least half full and $1.00/min when it’s full, until you move the car. Check the app for your site’s policy.
• Congestion/overstay policies: Some locations may apply additional fees when occupancy is high or when charging beyond a certain state of charge. These are site‑specific and listed in the app.
• Taxes and inclusions: Local taxes may be included or added on top, depending on the jurisdiction; the app’s price display reflects local practice.

Reviewing the station’s details in the Tesla app before you start a session helps you avoid idle fees and choose the best-priced time window.

Ways to reduce your Supercharging bill

Smart timing and planning can noticeably trim costs, especially on long trips or in high-priced markets.

• Charge off-peak when possible; many stations are cheaper late night or mid‑day.
• Target 10–80% state of charge for faster, more cost‑efficient sessions due to tapering at higher states of charge.
• Precondition the battery en route to the station for faster charging and better efficiency (nav to the charger to auto‑precondition).
• Use membership if you’re a frequent non‑Tesla user; the monthly fee can pay for itself quickly at higher volumes.
• Prefer home charging for routine energy needs; reserve Superchargers for road trips or when you need speed.
• Compare nearby stations in the Tesla app; prices and congestion can vary within the same city.
• Move promptly when charging completes to avoid idle fees.

These habits can lower your cost per mile and reduce time spent at the charger, especially in busy corridors.

How to check the exact price before you plug in

The Tesla app shows live pricing, peak/off‑peak windows, and any site‑specific fees so you can estimate your bill in advance.

1. Open the Tesla app and search for nearby Superchargers (or tap the in‑car map for on‑route options).
2. Select a station to view its current price. If applicable, you’ll see peak vs off‑peak rates and the time windows.
3. Check stall availability; high occupancy can increase the risk of idle or congestion charges if you linger.
4. If you drive a non‑Tesla, toggle/compare membership vs pay‑per‑use pricing where supported.
5. At per‑minute sites, review the power tiers and their rates; your car’s charging power determines which tier applies.
6. Estimate kWh needed (or time on station) and multiply by the posted rate to forecast your session total.

Because prices can update with grid and demand conditions, a quick app check just before arrival yields the most accurate estimate.

Summary

Supercharging costs vary by site, time, and membership. In the U.S., many drivers see $0.25–$0.60/kWh, putting a typical 10–80% top‑up for a midsize EV around $15–$30. Non‑Tesla drivers can lower higher pay‑per‑use rates with an optional monthly membership in supported markets. Always confirm the live price, fees, and any peak/off‑peak windows in the Tesla app before you plug in to get the best deal and avoid idle charges.