The Tesla Model 3 has been one of the most sold electric cars in the world. In 2021, Tesla hit record sales in the UK as more and more people turn to EVs (electric vehicles).
One of the main reasons Tesla has become the “go to” brand for EVs is due to how easy they make the transition to electric. Not only do they build a range of stylish, modern and tech-packed cars but they’ve also built a comprehensive charging eco-system to support drivers while they're away from home, making living with an EV simple and convenient.
The cost to charge a Tesla, like any electric car, will change between home, work and public charging stations. In this guide, we’ll look at how much it costs to charge a Tesla in different types of locations across the UK.
Where Can You Charge A Tesla In The UK?
Tesla has two types of networks which allow you to charge your electric car publicly, known as the Destination and Supercharger networks.
Destination Charging
Destination charge points are typically located at venues where you’re likely to spend a few hours using the facilities, such as eating out at a restaurant or if you’re staying overnight at a hotel. The Destination Charging network is a cost-effective and convenient way to charge your Tesla while you’re doing more important things, like shopping or eating. Here, you can park at one of the Destination Charging venues across the UK and hook your Tesla up to one of the wall connectors while you use their facilities. Destination chargers will add around 35-40 miles of range for every hour your Tesla is plugged in.
A Destination Charger is free to use for all Tesla drivers who are customers of the place where they are charging their EV and all of the chargers on the network are easy to find as they can be located directly through the in-car satellite navigation, or via the Tesla app.
The Supercharger Network
There are over 35,000 global Superchargers conveniently placed along major trunk roads, located near amenities such as restaurants, shops, restrooms and Wi-Fi hot spots. So whether you’re driving in the UK or on the Continent, you’ll never be too far from the nearest Supercharger facility. Each site has multiple Superchargers to get you charged and back on the road quickly.
Once you’ve found your closest Supercharger, all you have to do is plug your EV in*. You can monitor how full the battery is through the app, which will also notify you when it is fully charged. Superchargers are some of the fastest charge points available to EV drivers and can add 172 miles of range in only 15 minutes.
Like the Destination Charging network, Tesla Superchargers are also integrated in the in-car satellite navigation and Tesla app, making them easy to locate and help plan the journey ahead.
*Subject to setting up a Tesla account in advance
How Much Does It Cost To Charge A Tesla Using The Supercharger Network?
Tesla drivers who use the Supercharger network pay for their charging sessions on a pay-as-you-go basis and only pay for the power they use when topping up their battery up.
The average price per kilowatt hour (kWh) for a Supercharger in the UK is 67p, but Tesla owners who subscribe to the £10.99 per month membership will be charged around 53p per kWh to charge their car.
In 2022, Tesla opened up some of their Supercharger network to non-Tesla drivers with the chargers available to use on a pay-as-you-go basis. For non-Tesla drivers the Supercharger network costs 77p per kWh.
When using a Supercharger, Tesla recommends only charging to around 80% due to how slowly the battery charges for the last 20%. This also ensures the Superchargers remain available to those drivers who need to charge most.
Here are some estimates for how much you’ll pay for an 80% charge on the different Tesla models using the Supercharger network using the PAYG rate of £0.67 per kWh.
Model 3 Standard Range: £32.16 Per Charge
60 (battery size in kWh) x 80% = 48 kWh
48 x 0.67 (cost in pence per kW) = £32.16
Model 3 Long Range & Performance: £44.22 Per Charge
82 x 80% = 66 kWh
66 x 0.67 = £44.22
Model Y Standard Range: £32.16 Per Charge
60 x 80% = 48 kWh
48 x 0.67 = £32.16
Model Y Long Range & Performance: £44.22 Per Charge
82 x 80% = 66 kWh
66 x 0.67 = £44.22
What Is The Tesla Idle Fee?
The Tesla Supercharger Idle Fee has been designed to make it easier for people to access a public charger and increase availability.
For every minute a Tesla battery remains connected to a Supercharger when it is fully charged, the driver will have to pay an idle fee of 50p per minute. If you move your Tesla within 5 minutes, the fee doesn’t need to be paid.
The price of the idle fee depends on the capacity of the Supercharger station. If it’s half full, it costs 50p. When it is at 100% capacity, the fee doubles.
How Much Does It Cost To Charge A Tesla At Home?
Charging at home is cheaper and more convenient than charging in public. Your electricity rate per minute will depend on your provider and where in the UK you live. Providers can’t charge more than 34p per kWh, however, you can find out how much you pay by looking at your electric bill.
For day-to-day charging at home, it’s fine to charge your Tesla to 100% as the slower charging speeds are much kinder on the battery. And there’s no need to be concerned if the charging session finishes midway through the night, the car will be absolutely fine staying plugged in until the morning.
Here are some estimates for how much you’ll pay for a full charge on the different Tesla models at home.
Model 3 Standard Range: £20.40 Per Home Charge
60 (battery size in kWh) x 0.34 (cost in pence per kW) = £20.40
Model 3 Long Range & Performance: £27.88 Per Home Charge
82 x 0.34 = £27.88
Model Y Standard Range: £20.40 Per Home Charge
60 x 0.34 = £20.40
Model Y Long Range & Performance: £27.88 Per Home Charge
82 x 0.34 = £27.88
How Does Charging A Tesla Compare To Charging A Standard EV?
Because the battery capacity of most Teslas is larger than some of the other most popular electric cars in the UK, it can cost more to charge them. For example, a BMW i4 has a usable capacity of 80 kWh, which will cost £27.20 to charge at home or £42.88 for an 80% charge at a Supercharger. In comparison, the Tesla Model X has a capacity of 105 kWh battery and would cost £35.70 at home and £56.28 for an 80% charge at a Supercharger station.
You can apply the same calculations that have been used throughout this guide to compare Tesla models and charger costs to other electric vehicles you’re considering. Simply multiply their battery capacity by the cost to charge in pence per kW.
While Teslas can be more costly to charge than other standard EV models because of their battery sizes, these EVs also have some of the longest ranges available, making them worth it depending on your personal needs and preferences. You can also read more in our charging costs guide and learn about how much your electric car will cost to charge.
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