Charging Costs
Cost to Charge Tesla Model S
Updated March 2026
The Tesla Model S has a large 95 kWh battery and consumes about 165 Wh/km, giving it a generous 575 km range. That big battery means a full charge uses a lot of energy, so where and when you charge matters even more. Drivers using our app report that home charging is by far the most cost-effective approach for the Model S. A full charge gives you a WLTP rated range of approximately 744 km. Here is what it costs to charge at home, at public AC chargers, and at DC fast chargers across Europe. Always check your vehicle's manual for exact specifications.
Charging costs vary significantly depending on your electricity tariff, time of day, charging network, subscription, and location. The numbers below are estimates based on average European electricity prices and may not reflect what you actually pay. Always check your network's app for current pricing before charging.
Key Numbers (approximate)
- Useable battery
- ~95 kWh
- Real-world consumption
- ~148 Wh/km
- WLTP range
- ~744 km
Charging Costs by Country
These are approximate costs based on average electricity prices. Actual costs depend on your tariff, time of day, and charging network.
| Country | Home (per 100 km) | DC fast (per 100 km) | Full charge (DC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €4.88 | €8.73 | €56.05 |
| France | €3.70 | €7.70 | €49.40 |
| Norway | €1.78 | €5.92 | €38.00 |
| Finland | €2.07 | €5.62 | €36.10 |
| United Kingdom | €4.29 | €13.17 | €84.55 |
Prices are approximate gross averages including VAT. Actual costs vary by provider, tariff, and time of use.
How to Calculate Tesla Model S Charging Costs
Calculating your charging cost comes down to two numbers: how much energy your car uses, and how much you pay for that energy. Here is the formula.
Cost per 100 km = (consumption in Wh/km × 100 ÷ 1000) × price per kWh
Cost per full charge = battery capacity in kWh × price per kWh
Example: Tesla Model S at home
If your home electricity costs €0.25 per kWh (a rough European average), and the Tesla Model S consumes approximately 148 Wh per kilometer:
- Energy per 100 km: 148 × 100 ÷ 1000 = 14.8 kWh
- Cost per 100 km: 14.8 × €0.25 = €3.70
- Full charge (0-100%): ~95 kWh × €0.25 = €23.75
Example: Tesla Model S at a DC fast charger
DC fast chargers typically cost more, often around €0.45 per kWh or higher. Using the same formula:
- Cost per 100 km: 14.8 × €0.45 = €6.66
- Full charge (0-100%): ~95 kWh × €0.45 = €42.75
Keep in mind: These are simplified examples. Your actual cost depends on your specific electricity tariff (which varies by time of day and provider), any charging network subscription you have, session fees, idle fees, and how efficiently you drive. Cold weather, high speeds, and heavy loads all increase consumption. Use these numbers as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Home Charging vs Public Charging
Where you charge makes the biggest difference in what you pay. Here is how the options compare for the Tesla Model S.
Home charging (AC, typically 3.7 to 22 kW)
The cheapest option. You pay your home electricity rate, which in most European countries is between €0.15 and €0.40 per kWh. The Tesla Model S can charge at up to 11 kW on AC, so a full charge from empty takes several hours. Most drivers plug in overnight and wake up to a full battery. If your energy provider offers off-peak rates, charging between midnight and 6 AM can reduce costs further.
Public AC charging (typically 7 to 22 kW)
Public AC chargers at shopping centres, workplaces, or on-street locations usually cost more than home electricity but less than DC fast chargers. Prices range from €0.25 to €0.50 per kWh depending on the network and country. Some are free (employer-provided or included in parking).
DC fast charging (up to 250 kW)
The fastest but most expensive option. The Tesla Model S supports DC fast charging at up to approximately 250 kW, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes under good conditions. DC prices typically range from €0.35 to €0.70+ per kWh. Some networks also charge per-minute fees or session fees on top.
Should You Charge to 80% or 100%?
You may have heard the advice to "only charge to 80%." Whether this applies to you depends on how you charge and what battery your Tesla Model S has.
At DC fast chargers
Charging speed slows down significantly above 80% on most electric cars, including the Tesla Model S. The last 20% can take as long as the first 60%. If you are on a road trip and paying per kWh (or per minute), stopping at 80% saves both time and money. This is a practical recommendation for fast charging, not a strict rule.
At home (AC charging)
At home, charging to 100% occasionally is generally fine. The speed taper above 80% does not matter when you are charging overnight on cheap electricity. Some manufacturers recommend keeping the daily limit around 80-90% to help with long-term battery health. Check your Tesla Model S's manual for the manufacturer's specific recommendation.
Battery care advice varies by manufacturer, battery chemistry, and model year. The above is general guidance. Always follow the recommendations in your Tesla Model S's owner manual.
All Countries
Tips to Reduce Charging Costs
- Home charging is essential with a 95 kWh battery. A full charge at home can cost a fraction of what the same charge costs at a public DC fast charger. Install at least an 11 kW home charger to fill the battery overnight.
- Use Tesla's off-peak scheduling to charge the Model S during the cheapest electricity hours. With 95 kWh to fill, the savings from off-peak rates add up quickly over a month.
- At Superchargers, the Model S can charge at up to 250 kW, but stop at 80% unless you need the full range. Charging from 80% to 100% takes nearly as long as charging from 10% to 80%.
- The Model S's 575 km range means you rarely need to fast charge for daily driving. If your daily commute is under 150 km, you could charge at home just two or three times a week instead of daily.
- Use regenerative braking aggressively. The Model S recovers significant energy during deceleration, and on hilly terrain or in city traffic, this can reduce your real-world consumption noticeably below 165 Wh/km.
The Model S benefits most from overnight home charging due to its large battery capacity. Set the daily charge limit to 80%, which still gives you about 460 km of range. Public fast charging works well for road trips, but the cost per kWh at DC chargers makes regular use expensive with a battery this size.
These tips are general suggestions. Your situation may differ depending on your electricity contract, driving patterns, and local charging infrastructure. Always follow safe charging practices and your vehicle manufacturer's guidelines.
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