How Much Does It Cost to Supercharge a Tesla in 2025?

In most places, Supercharging a Tesla costs roughly $0.25–$0.60 per kWh in the United States (often $0.30–$0.40), €0.30–€0.70/kWh in much of Europe, £0.35–£0.75/kWh in the UK, and A$0.45–A$0.75/kWh in Australia. For a typical 10–80% top‑up on a Model 3 or Model Y, that usually works out to about $12–$25 in the U.S., with similar equivalents elsewhere. Prices vary by site, time of day, local electricity markets, and whether you have access to “member” pricing. Below is a detailed look at how Tesla bills, what affects your final cost, and how to check and lower the price you pay.

How Tesla Bills: kWh vs. per‑minute tiers

Tesla Superchargers price energy in two main ways, depending on local regulations. Where allowed, sites bill per kWh, which is straightforward: you pay for the energy you take. In some regions that prohibit per‑kWh billing by non‑utilities, Tesla charges per minute using power‑based tiers, so your effective price depends on how fast your car is charging at any moment.

In per‑minute locations, Tesla generally uses four tiers linked to charging power (for example, 0–60 kW, 60–100 kW, 100–180 kW, and 180+ kW). Minutes spent at higher power tiers cost more, while time spent at lower power (such as when your battery is cold or nearly full) costs less. This means arriving with a low state of charge and a warm battery can reduce overall session cost in time‑billed regions.

What you’ll actually pay by region

The following ranges summarize typical posted prices drivers have seen recently. Exact rates are site‑specific and can change frequently; always check the Tesla app or in‑car navigation for the current price before you plug in.

• United States: About $0.25–$0.60/kWh; many sites cluster around $0.30–$0.40. Some locations offer off‑peak discounts or peak surcharges.
• Canada: Roughly C$0.30–C$0.70/kWh, varying by province and urban vs. highway corridors.
• Eurozone: Typically €0.30–€0.70/kWh, with higher prices in certain high‑demand urban hubs.
• United Kingdom: Commonly £0.35–£0.75/kWh; motorway sites tend to be at the upper end.
• Australia: Around A$0.45–A$0.75/kWh, with regional variance and occasional off‑peak pricing.

These ranges are directional, not caps. You may see lower or higher rates, especially where local wholesale electricity prices swing or where new V4 sites use dynamic pricing. Your app will display the exact current price at each station.

Membership, eligibility, and non‑Tesla pricing

Tesla owners typically receive the “member” rate automatically. Non‑Tesla drivers can often use Superchargers at participating sites via the Tesla app; in many markets they can subscribe to a Supercharging membership (around $13/€13/£11 per month) to access lower rates comparable to member pricing. Without a membership, non‑Tesla rates are usually higher. Availability and discounts vary by country and by site.

Real‑world session cost examples

Here are simple, representative scenarios to illustrate likely costs. Your results will vary based on vehicle efficiency, battery temperature, and local rates.

• Model 3/Y road trip top‑up (10% → 80%): Adds roughly 45–55 kWh. At $0.34/kWh, expect about $15–$19; at €0.55/kWh, about €25–€30.
• Smaller city stop (20 minutes on a 250 kW stall): If billed per minute, your car might average the middle tiers; an effective $0.35–$0.45/kWh equivalent is common, yielding a $10–$18 session depending on energy added.
• Fuller battery, slower charge (60% → 90%): Because charge power tapers at higher states of charge, time‑billed sites can feel costlier; per‑kWh sites will simply charge you for the smaller energy added (often 15–25 kWh), e.g., $5–$10 at typical U.S. rates.

Think of Supercharging costs as primarily driven by energy added. For a ballpark: at $0.36/kWh and a consumption of 250 Wh/mi, driving costs about $0.09 per mile (~$5.40 per 60 miles) when charging exclusively at Superchargers.

Fees, surcharges, and how to avoid them

Beyond the posted energy price, a few extra charges can apply. Understanding them helps you avoid surprise costs, especially at busy sites.

• Idle fees: If your car stays plugged in after charging completes, Tesla may apply an idle fee (commonly $0.50/min when the site is at least 50% occupied and $1.00/min when it’s fully occupied). There is usually a short grace period once charging ends; move promptly to avoid fees.
• Peak pricing windows: Some locations use time‑of‑use pricing with higher rates during local peaks and discounts off‑peak. The app shows current and scheduled rates.
• Payment holds and methods: Sessions are billed to your Tesla account’s payment method. Newer V4 sites in some regions also accept contactless cards, which may place a temporary authorization hold.
• Site‑specific add‑ons: Rarely, local taxes or surcharges appear in the posted price or at checkout; these are reflected in the app before you start charging.

Checking the charger details screen in the Tesla app or in‑car nav before plugging in is the best way to verify pricing, occupancy, and any active surcharges.

How to check the price before you plug in

You can see live pricing and estimated availability directly in Tesla’s software. Here’s where to look.

• In‑car navigation: Tap the Supercharger pin; the pop‑up shows the current per‑kWh or per‑minute price, stall availability, and any notes (e.g., reduced service).
• Tesla app: Tap “Charge” or the map, select a Supercharger, and view the listed price and peak/off‑peak schedule if applicable. Non‑Tesla drivers can start and pay from here.
• On‑stall displays (V4, select regions): Some sites show pricing on the pedestal and support contactless payment for eligible vehicles.

Because Tesla updates prices dynamically, these tools provide the most reliable, up‑to‑the‑minute information for your specific station and time.

Ways to reduce your Supercharging cost

Small changes in when and how you charge can shave meaningful dollars off a trip, particularly in dynamic‑pricing markets.

• Target off‑peak hours shown in the app to capture lower rates.
• Arrive with a lower state of charge (when practical) and precondition the battery en route to maximize fast‑charge speed.
• Unplug near 80–90% for faster, cheaper sessions; the last 10–20% is slow and can be pricier in per‑minute regions.
• Use home or workplace charging for most daily needs; Superchargers are best for road trips and occasional top‑ups.
• For non‑Tesla vehicles, consider the Supercharging membership if your monthly usage justifies the fee.

Combining off‑peak timing with efficient charging habits typically yields the lowest per‑mile cost while minimizing time spent at the charger.

Free Supercharging and credits

Most new Teslas do not include free unlimited Supercharging. However, Tesla periodically offers Supercharging credits through referral or delivery promotions, and some legacy vehicles retain grandfathered free Supercharging. Credits are usually denominated in kWh and automatically deduct from session costs until they’re used up or expire.

How Supercharging compares to home charging

In many regions, home electricity is cheaper than Supercharging. U.S. residential rates often land around $0.12–$0.20/kWh, so home charging can cost roughly one‑third to one‑half of road‑trip Supercharging. That’s why most owners charge at home for daily driving and rely on Superchargers primarily for long trips.

Bottom line

Expect to pay roughly $0.25–$0.60 per kWh in the U.S. (often $0.30–$0.40), with comparable regional ranges internationally, and about $12–$25 for a typical 10–80% top‑up on a Model 3/Y. Rates vary by site, time, and membership status; check the Tesla app or in‑car nav for the live price before you plug in, and use off‑peak windows and good charging habits to keep costs down.

Is it cheaper to charge a Tesla or gas?

Electricity vs. Gasoline: The cost of electricity to charge a Tesla is generally lower than the cost of gasoline per mile driven. For example, if electricity costs around $0.13 per kWh and the Tesla consumes about 4 miles per kWh, the cost per mile would be approximately $0.03.

How much does supercharging cost on Tesla?

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. Superchargers have rates between $0.25 and $0.60 and vary with location.

Do Tesla superchargers charge to 100%?

Yes, you can charge to 100% at a Tesla Supercharger, but it’s generally not recommended for daily use, as charging slows significantly at higher percentages, and it can increase battery wear for non-LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries if the car remains at 100% for extended periods. For Long Range or Performance models, it’s best to charge to 80% for daily driving and only charge to 100% for long road trips, ensuring you leave soon after reaching 100% to avoid stress on the battery. For Standard Range Tesla models with LFP batteries, charging to 100% daily is fine. 
When to charge to 100%

• Long Trips: The most practical reason to charge to 100% is to maximize your range for a long journey. 
• Required Use: If your trip requires it to reach a destination or return home. 
• LFP Battery Models: Standard Range Tesla vehicles have robust LFP batteries that can handle regular full charges without significant damage. 

When to limit charging to 80% 

• Daily Driving: For everyday use of a Long Range or Performance Tesla, it’s best to stick to an 80% charge limit to preserve battery health and lifespan.
• Avoiding Stress: Keeping a non-LFP battery at a very high (or very low) state of charge for extended periods can lead to accelerated capacity loss.

Tips for charging to 100%

• Don’t Wait at 100%: The most damaging scenario is leaving a non-LFP battery at 100% for a long time. 
• Use Scheduled Charging: In the car or mobile app, schedule your charge to finish just before you plan to depart on a trip. 
• Drive Immediately: Once you reach 100% for a road trip, start driving soon after to minimize the time the battery is under stress at its maximum capacity. 

Is a Tesla Supercharger free?

No, Tesla Supercharging is generally not free for new vehicle purchases, as the practice of offering lifetime free Supercharging was phased out years ago. While Tesla occasionally runs promotions offering free or discounted charging for limited periods, or sometimes for specific vehicle purchases, these are not standard for most new owners. However, individual Tesla vehicles may have been purchased with a lifetime free Supercharging benefit, or an owner might have referral credits that can be used to cover charging costs. 
When Free Supercharging is Available

• Older Vehicles: Certain Tesla vehicles purchased before 2017 were eligible for free Supercharging for life. 
• Promotional Offers: Tesla periodically offers limited-time promotions for free Supercharging with the purchase of new cars, particularly towards the end of quarters or for specific models. 
• Referral Credits: Tesla owners can earn referral credits by referring new buyers, which can then be applied to their charging costs. 
• Special Packages: In rare cases, specific vehicle packages or new car purchases might include free Supercharging as a perk. 

How to Check Your Eligibility

• Tesla Mobile App: Opens in new tabCheck your Tesla account in the mobile app for any active promotions, credits, or entitlements. 
• Tesla Account Online: Opens in new tabAccess your Tesla account on the website to view your Supercharging status. 
• Contact Tesla Customer Service: Opens in new tabFor specific questions about your vehicle or eligibility, contacting Tesla’s customer service is an option. 

How to Pay for Supercharging

• Automatic Billing: Most Supercharging sessions for owners are billed automatically to the credit card on file in the Tesla app. 
• Supercharging Membership: A Supercharging Membership can be purchased to receive lower pricing on Supercharging sessions at Supercharger stations, according to Tesla. 
• Charging Cards: Drivers can use charging cards provided by third-party mobile service providers (MSPs) to access Supercharger sites and pay for charging sessions.