How Much Does A Tesla Charging Station Cost?

‍Different Methods of Charging a Tesla

Tesla electric vehicles are usually charged using one of two methods: either by using a home charger or by charging your vehicle using Tesla's own commercial-only, Supercharger stations. The former option is usually available to consumers and Tesla owners who charge their cars at home.

Charging at home is the most convenient charging method but usually implies leaving your car plugged in when you get home or overnight while you sleep. Admittedly, this eliminates the need for trips to the gas stations via a gas-powered vehicle and takes advantage of lower overnight utility pricing. The downside is that it takes time to reach full charge, especially on an older Level 1 charger.

Tesla's own Supercharger stations, which can charge your vehicle at a maximum rate of 250 kilowatt-hours (kWh), are capable of granting you additional 160-200 miles on a 15-minute charge. Of course, this metric largely depends on the surrounding factors, such as the model of your vehicle and the battery's working condition. Still, the supercharging method is undeniably faster compared to home charging. It's also great for field trips and taking breaks during long rides.

The third option is the commercially-available Destination chargers, usually located at hotels, restaurants, and parking garages. However, at 44 added miles of range per hour of charging, these aren't as fast as Superchargers. But they're great if you're breaking up your field trip over several days, as they allow overnight charging or topping off your current battery charge.

However, when it comes to installing a Tesla charging station at home, owners of Tesla don't have access to commercially-available chargers, and their charging methods at home are limited to a separately sold NEMA 14-50 cable or a Wall Connector — both of which are time-consuming charging methods.

How Much Does a Tesla Charging Station Cost?

The price of a Tesla charging station significantly depends on what type of charger you're looking for: a home charger or a charging station for your business. For the purposes of this article, we'll list the price of both options, as well as their associated costs. So, without further ado, let's dive right in.

How Much Does a Tesla Charging Station Cost for Home Use?

This really depends on the type of charger you want to use, and even then, your options are somewhat limited. Tesla went full Apple and has stopped delivering vehicles with included charging hardware which is now sold separately. The company had previously included Level 1 chargers with their vehicles for free, and using them to charge your Tesla required just a standard 120V outlet.

However, the company changed its long-standing policy of including free chargers with its vehicles and started selling them separately for approx. $200. However, instead of buying the previously bundled charger, you can add another $200 for Tesla's Wall Connector that can charge your Standard Range Model 3 in less than 7 hours.

Of course, this metric significantly varies depending on your home electrical system and the current state of your vehicle's battery. The most recent Gen 3 Wall Connector is compatible with the Tesla Model Y, Model X, Model S, and Model 3 and all their respective trims. It also features customizable power levels, 24 feet of cable length, Wi-Fi connectivity options, suits both indoor and outdoor installations, and costs $400.

Installing a home charger involves more than just buying the Tesla Wall Connector; there are some associated costs with having the hardware installed at your home — something most people don't consider when purchasing a home-charging station. For example, a straightforward installation can range anywhere from an additional $500 to $1,500 and typically includes a professional installation service and materials, a permit, an inspection, and an installation warranty.

However, the Gen 3 Wall Connector requires a 240V outlet, and installing it might imply an upgrade to your home's electrical system, considering that the vast majority of homes use a standard 120V outlet. If that's the case, your electrician would have to make upgrades to your home's main electrical panel, install additional subpanels, and do extra wiring.

Add additional costs for longer wire runs, and the total installation may end up costing you up to $5,000 if extensive electrical work is required. And we still haven't accounted for the hourly labor, which can only add up to the bill. We have to acknowledge that driving a Tesla usually costs approx. $0.03 to $0.05 per mile, while ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles spend approx. $0.15 per mile, which tips the scales in Tesla's favor.

That means that it costs you anywhere between $9 and $19 to fully charge your Tesla, depending on the model. However, it's also important to note that using a Gen 3 Wall Connector may end up adding an additional $25 to your monthly bill (a rough estimate). This is still substantially more affordable compared to buying gasoline — especially if you're using solar to power your charging.

In fact, switching to solar is fantastic for reducing your overall electricity bill, and it's one of the best long-term solutions to lower your Tesla charging costs — up to 65%. With that said, some areas and homes simply aren't suitable for solar power, so it's best to consult a professional.

How Much Does a Tesla Charging Station Cost for Commercial Use?

Business owners might consider adding Tesla chargers to their business' location for customer use. Installing a commercial-grade EV charging station usually costs about $6000 for the device and an additional $2,000 for installation costs. Keep in mind that installing higher-grade charges can also range anywhere from $10,000 to $13,000.

Installing a Supercharger at your business' location is a different story altogether because the cost of each station varies from $100,000 to $175,000, including the cost of installation, which varies greatly depending on numerous factors. It's important to note that Tesla might start approaching various businesses within the catering and hospitality industries, asking them to install their Superchargers as the continuous need for supercharging devices continues to grow.

Whether or not that comes to pass remains to be seen. Still, undeniable facts point toward the company's growing sales numbers and its increased need to enable as many Supercharging locations as possible.