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Are you considering purchasing a Tesla in the UK? One of the most important factors to consider is the cost of charging your electric vehicle. With an increasing number of charging options available, it’s essential to understand where and how much it will cost to charge your Tesla. In this blog post, we’ll explore different charging options, from destination charging to the Supercharger network, and break down the costs associated with each method. Whether you’re planning a long journey or simply looking for convenient home charging solutions, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and discover how much it really costs to charge a Tesla in the UK!
Where Can You Charge A Tesla In The UK?
When it comes to charging your Tesla in the UK, you have two excellent options: Destination Charging and the Supercharger Network. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Destination Charging is perfect for those times when you’re out and about, enjoying a nice meal at a restaurant or staying overnight at a hotel. These charge points are strategically located at venues where you’ll likely spend a few hours using their facilities. It’s like killing two birds with one stone – you get to charge your Tesla while doing more important things, like shopping or eating!
The best part? Destination Chargers are free to use for all Tesla drivers who are customers of the place where they’re charging their EVs. Plus, finding these chargers is effortless as they can be located directly through your in-car satellite navigation or via the convenient Tesla app.
Now let’s talk about the Supercharger Network, which boasts over 35,000 global Superchargers conveniently placed along major trunk roads throughout the UK and beyond. Whether you’re driving locally or venturing on an exciting road trip across Europe, rest assured that there will always be a Supercharger facility nearby.
Superchargers not only offer speed but also convenience. With multiple chargers available at each site, you won’t waste precious time waiting around for your turn. Simply plug in your EV and monitor battery levels through the Tesla app – it’ll even notify you when it reaches full charge!
Speaking of speed, Superchargers are some of the fastest charging points available to electric vehicle drivers today. In just 15 minutes, they can add an impressive 172 miles of range! So even if time is limited during your journey, a quick pit stop at a Supercharger station will keep you on track without compromising on convenience.
Both Destination Charging and the Supercharger Network integrate seamlessly into your driving experience with easy access through in-car satellite navigation and the user-friendly Tesla app. This makes locating them hassle-free and allows you to plan your journey with confidence.
How Long Do Tesla Batteries Last?
Tesla owners have long been curious about the lifespan of their batteries. Fortunately, a recent analysis from 2021 provides some insights into this question. The study suggests that Tesla batteries do experience degradation over time, with the Model S and Model X battery packs losing approximately 10% of their capacity after driving around 200,000 miles.
To further support these findings, CarWow conducted a survey among 350 Tesla owners in Belgium and the Netherlands. The results revealed that the batteries depreciated by around 5% after just 50,000 miles of driving. While these numbers may vary depending on individual driving habits and charging practices, they provide a general idea of what to expect.
It’s important to note that despite this degradation, Tesla’s battery technology still outperforms many other electric vehicles on the market. Even with some loss in capacity over time, Teslas continue to offer an impressive range of capabilities compared to its competitors.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Tesla?
The charging time for a Tesla can vary depending on the type of charger you’re using. However, as a general guide, if you’re using a wall connector at your residence, you can expect to add around 40-48 miles of travel range to your Tesla for every hour of charging.
This means that if you have a long journey ahead and need to top up your battery before hitting the road, you can easily calculate how much time it will take based on the distance you need to cover. For example, if you have 120 miles left in your battery and want to charge it back up to full capacity (let’s say around 300 miles), it would take roughly 2-3 hours using a wall connector.
Of course, these estimates are just guidelines and may vary depending on several factors such as temperature, battery condition, and charging efficiency. Additionally, different chargers may provide faster or slower charging speeds. It’s always best to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult with an expert for more accurate information about charging times.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Tesla in the UK?
How Much Does It Cost To Charge A Tesla Using The Supercharger Network?
Tesla drivers who choose to use the Supercharger network have the flexibility of paying for their charging sessions on a pay-as-you-go basis. This means that they only pay for the power they actually use when topping up their battery. In the UK, the average price per kilowatt hour (kWh) for a Supercharger is around 67p.
However, Tesla owners who opt for the £10.99 per month membership can enjoy a discounted rate of approximately 53p per kWh to charge their cars using the Supercharger network.
In an exciting development, Tesla opened up some of its Supercharger networks to non-Tesla drivers in 2022. These drivers can now access and utilize these chargers on a pay-as-you-go basis as well but at a slightly higher cost of 77p per kWh.
When charging with a Supercharger, it’s recommended by Tesla to only charge your vehicle up to around 80% capacity. This is because charging slows down significantly during the last 20%, and limiting your charge helps ensure that Superchargers remain available for those who need them most.
To provide you with an idea of how much you might expect to pay for an 80% charge on different Tesla models through the Supercharger network, let’s take a look at some estimates:
- Model 3 Standard Range: £32.16 Per Charge
- Model 3 Long Range & Performance: £44.22 Per Charge
- Model Y Standard Range: £32.16 Per Charge
- Model Y Long Range & Performance: £44.22 Per Charge
These estimates are based on calculations using an average cost of £0.67 per kWh and taking into account each model’s respective battery size and recommended charge level.
Understanding the costs associated with charging your Tesla through the Supercharger network allows you to make informed decisions about where and how often you choose to charge your electric vehicle.
What Is The Tesla Idle Fee?
The Tesla Supercharger Idle Fee is a clever solution to ensure that public chargers are accessible and available for all. When your Tesla battery is fully charged and remains connected to a Supercharger, you will be subject to an idle fee of 50p per minute. However, if you move your vehicle within 5 minutes, there’s no need to pay the fee.
The amount of the idle fee depends on the capacity of the Supercharger station. If it’s at half-full capacity, the fee will be set at 50p per minute. But when the station reaches 100% capacity, the fee doubles.
This system encourages drivers to promptly disconnect their vehicles from Superchargers once they have reached a full charge. By implementing this idle fee structure, Tesla aims to make charging stations more readily available for everyone who needs them.
It’s important for Tesla owners to be mindful of these fees and avoid unnecessary charges by moving their vehicles as soon as charging is complete. This way, we can all contribute towards maintaining efficient access to Superchargers and ensuring a smooth charging experience for everyone on the go!
How Much Does It Cost To Charge A Tesla At Home?
Charging a Tesla at home is not only more cost-effective but also incredibly convenient. The price you pay for electricity will depend on your provider and location within the UK, but they are restricted from charging more than 34p per kilowatt hour (kWh). To find out your specific rate, simply refer to your electric bill.
When charging a Tesla at home for day-to-day use, it’s perfectly fine to charge it up to 100%. Slower charging speeds are gentler on the battery and won’t cause any harm if the session finishes overnight. You can rest assured that leaving your car plugged in until morning is absolutely safe.
Now let’s talk numbers. Here are some estimates of how much you’ll be paying for a full charge on different models of Teslas when charging at home:
- Model 3 Standard Range: £20.40 per home charge
(60 kWh battery size x £0.34 cost per kW = £20.40) - Model 3 Long Range & Performance: £27.88 per home charge
(82 kWh battery size x £0.34 = £27.88) - Model Y Standard Range: £20.40 per home charge
(60 kWh x £0.34 = £20.40) - Model Y Long Range & Performance:£27 .88 per home charge
(82 x 0 .34=£2 .788 )
Charging a Tesla at home offers great value and convenience, making it an excellent choice for everyday use without breaking the bank.
How Does Charging A Tesla Compare To Charging A Standard EV?
Charging a Tesla compared to charging a standard EV can be more expensive due to the larger battery capacity of most Teslas. For instance, let’s take the BMW i4 with an 80 kWh usable capacity. Charging it at home would cost around £27.20, while an 80% charge at a Supercharger would amount to approximately £42.88.
- On the other hand, the Tesla Model X boasts a 105 kWh battery capacity. Charging it at home would cost about £35.70, and for an 80% charge at a Supercharger station, you can expect to pay around £56.28.
- To compare charger costs between different electric vehicle models, simply multiply their battery capacity by the cost per kilowatt hour (kWh).
- While Teslas may have higher charging costs due to their larger batteries, they also offer some of the longest ranges available in electric vehicles. So depending on your personal needs and preferences, they could still be worth it.
- If you want more detailed information on charging costs or how much it will cost to charge your specific electric car model, check out our comprehensive charging costs guide.
Is Tesla charging free in the UK?
When it comes to charging your Tesla in the UK, many people wonder if they can get free charging. Well, in most cases, the answer is no. Charging your Tesla usually comes with a cost. However, there is one exception – charging at home.
If you have a home charging point for your Tesla, then you can enjoy the closest thing to free charging. Of course, there may be some initial fees to set up the charging point and you will still need to pay for electricity usage on your monthly bill. But compared to other options like public chargers or Superchargers, home charging tends to be more affordable and convenient.
It’s important to note that while some places may offer free public chargers for electric vehicles, these are not always available specifically for Tesla. So if you’re relying solely on public chargers outside of your home network, be prepared for potential costs associated with using them.
Conclusion
The cost of charging a Tesla in the UK varies depending on where you choose to charge and the specific model of your Tesla. If you have access to home charging, it is generally cheaper and more convenient than using public charging stations. The cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) for home charging is determined by your electricity provider and can be found on your electric bill.
If you decide to use the Supercharger network, there are pay-as-you-go rates for Tesla owners as well as non-Tesla drivers. The average price per kWh for Supercharging is 67p for Tesla owners with a monthly membership fee, while non-Tesla drivers will pay 77p per kWh.
It’s important to note that when using Superchargers, it is recommended to only charge up to 80% capacity due to slower charging speeds afterwards. This ensures availability for other drivers who may need a quick charge.
When comparing the cost of charging a Tesla versus other standard EV models, Teslas may have higher costs due to their larger battery capacities. However, they also offer some of the longest ranges available in electric vehicles.
Understanding the different options available for charging your Tesla and considering factors such as convenience, cost per kWh, and battery capacity will help you make an informed decision about how much it will cost to charge your Tesla in the UK.