Are Tesla Charging Stations Free? Here's How Much You'll Pay

Despite the fact it's a rough time for Tesla — with Tesla owners trying to sell their cars en masse — the electric vehicles still offer plenty of perks for owners. Perhaps one of the biggest selling points of Tesla electric vehicles is having access to the company's global network of over 60,000 Superchargers. Whether you are traveling a long distance or just need a one-time charge for your daily activities — you can find an automatic supercharger along major routes across the U.S. To find a Tesla Supercharger while driving your Tesla, simply type your destination into the car's navigation system and it will automatically include Supercharger stops on your way. You can also look up Superchargers manually on your Tesla's touchscreen or through the mobile app. While Tesla Superchargers are not free, the cost to charge your vehicle can change based on the location and the time of day. These charges are automatically billed to the credit card linked to your Tesla account. 

However, apart from Tesla's Superchargers, owners can also charge their cars, often for free, with Destination Charging – public locations like hotels, libraries, and parks that offer free charging for electric vehicles. Drivers can also search websites like ChargeHub and PlugShare to easily find public charging stations. Also, if you want to use a public charging network, you may need to carry an adapter because some ports might use different connectors (Type 1 or CCS1).

According to compiled prices from Solar Reviews, the prices of Tesla charging stations in 2025 can vary. For the Model X (Plaid) with a 100 kWh battery, charging costs can range from $10.45 to $57, with per-mile costs between 3 and 17 cents. The Model 3, with a 57.5 kWh battery, can run between $6.01 and $32.78 per charge, costing between 2 and 12 cents per mile. For the Model 3 Performance or Long Range, featuring an 82 kWh battery, expect to spend between $8.57 and $46.74 for a full charge, with mileage costs between 2 and 15 cents.

The Model S (Plaid), also with a 100 kWh battery, charges for $10.45 to $57, and mileage costs fall between 2 and 15 cents. Lastly, the Model Y (various configurations) with a 75 kWh battery, costs between $7.84 and $42.75 to charge, or 2 to 15 cents per mile driven. While these prices obviously vary significantly, an electric car ultimately saves you money in the long run. With that in mind, it's important to note that if your Tesla reaches a 90% charge and isn't unplugged at a busy location, you will be charged a congestion fee of $1 per minute. Also, peak hours for Tesla Superchargers are generally between 4 PM and 8 PM. During these hours, the cost of charging can be higher due to increased demand.

If you do not like to wait in line or fear you might not get to a Supercharger in time, you can also own an at-home charging unit. Tesla provides several charging options for your home: a wall connector, mobile connector, or universal wall connector. The Tesla wall connector speeds up the charging process, adding about 70 km of range per hour, making it a quicker option while the mobile connector gives an additional 30 miles of range per hour using a 240V outlet — or 3 miles per hour with a regular household outlet. Those who own both non-Tesla EVs and Tesla vehicles can opt for the universal wall connector to service their multiple vehicles.

Price can be another consideration when deciding on an at-home charging unit. The Tesla Wall Connector costs about $420, the Mobile Connector costs about $300, and the Universal Wall Connector around $550. Installation costs for wall connectors can vary based on your home's electrical setup, ranging anywhere from $500 to $1,500 USD. Given these upfront costs, many owners might opt for Tesla's expansive network of Superchargers instead. With that in mind, cheaper models of Tesla vehicles are due to hit the market in 2025, so it could be the perfect time to enter the electric vehicle market if you haven't already.