How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Tesla Model Y at Home in 2026?
Charging a Tesla Model Y at home costs between $11 and $13 for a full charge at the US average electricity rate of $0.16 per kWh. That works out to roughly $0.04 per mile — about 65% cheaper than gasoline for a comparable SUV.
But the real number depends on three things: your state’s electricity rate, your charger type, and whether you’re on a time-of-use plan. Below is the actual math, with the data sources so you can check it for your situation.
The Base Calculation
The Tesla Model Y Long Range has a 75 kWh battery pack (per Tesla’s official spec page). At the US average residential electricity rate of $0.16/kWh (EIA, 2026), a full charge from empty to 100% costs:
75 kWh × $0.16/kWh = $12.00 (before charging losses)
Charging is not 100% efficient — typical Level 2 home charging loses about 10% to heat and conversion. So the actual electricity drawn from your panel is closer to 83 kWh, making the real cost:
75 kWh ÷ 0.90 efficiency × $0.16/kWh = $13.33
Most owners don’t charge from empty to full daily. If you drive 40 miles/day and the Model Y gets ~3.5 miles/kWh, you’re adding about 11.5 kWh per day — roughly $2.04/day or $61/month.
Cost by State (Selected)
Electricity rates vary dramatically by state. Using EIA residential rate data:
| State | Avg Rate ($/kWh) | Full Charge Cost | Cost per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $0.12 | $10.00 | $0.034 |
| Washington | $0.11 | $9.17 | $0.031 |
| California | $0.27 | $22.50 | $0.077 |
| Hawaii | $0.41 | $34.17 | $0.117 |
| US Average | $0.16 | $13.33 | $0.046 |
A Model Y owner in Louisiana pays less than half what a California owner pays for the same charge.
Time-of-Use Plans Can Cut Costs 40-60%
Many utility companies offer time-of-use (TOU) plans where electricity is cheaper during off-peak hours (typically 11 PM – 5 AM). If you charge overnight on a TOU plan:
- Off-peak rate can drop to $0.08–$0.12/kWh (vs. $0.16 average)
- Full charge cost drops to $6.67–$10.00
- Annual savings (12,000 miles): $300–$500
Check with your utility provider — most EV owners on TOU plans pay significantly less than the standard rate.
Level 1 vs Level 2: Does Charger Type Affect Cost?
The charger type affects speed, not the per-kWh cost:
- Level 1 (120V standard outlet): ~3-4 miles of range per hour. Same $/kWh, just slower.
- Level 2 (240V, like a dryer outlet): ~25-30 miles of range per hour. Same $/kWh, much faster.
The electricity costs the same either way. Level 2 is recommended for convenience, not savings.
Installation Cost for Home Charging
A Level 2 home charger installation typically costs $1,200–$2,000 total (hardware + electrician + permit), per data from 2026 installer estimates. The Tesla Wall Connector hardware itself is about $450; the rest is labor and any panel upgrades.
There’s a federal tax credit (30C) covering 30% of installation costs up to $1,000 — but it’s currently set to expire June 30, 2026. Factor this into your timeline if you’re planning an installation.
Bottom Line
For most US Model Y owners, home charging costs $40–$70 per month for typical driving — a fraction of what gasoline would cost for the same mileage. The biggest variable is your local electricity rate, so check your utility’s rate sheet and ask about EV time-of-use plans.