Tesla Driver Logs 3,000 Miles in California—Here’s What Charging Really Costs

A Tesla Model Y owner in California has gone viral on TikTok for sharing what many EV drivers have been wondering: how much does it actually cost to charge a Tesla in the real world? The driver tracked his electricity costs over a 3,000-mile journey across a mix of home charging, workplace outlets, and public Superchargers.

The bottom line? His total cost came out to $285 USD, which averages to $0.095 per mile.

The Charging Mix: Home, Work, and Superchargers

The cost estimation assumes a full charging blend:

• Home charging is the most economical, often coming in under $0.20/kWh, depending on time-of-use electricity rates.

• Workplace charging, if available for free or subsidized, helps reduce average costs significantly.

• Superchargers, while convenient, are notably more expensive—especially during peak hours in California. This driver included Supercharger use in his estimate, suggesting that careful planning could reduce his bill even further.

EV vs. Gasoline: A Direct Comparison

At $285 for 3,000 miles, the driver’s Model Y averaged around 9.5 cents per mile. For comparison:

• A gas vehicle with 30 mpg efficiency would need 100 gallons of gas for the same trip.

• With California gas prices hovering around $5.50 per gallon, that adds up to $550+.

In short: the Tesla cut fuel costs nearly in half—even in a high-cost state like California.

Range, Convenience, and Smart Planning

The story also reminds us that charging strategy matters.

Charging mostly at home or work can slash costs. Charging during off-peak hours or using solar helps even more. On the other hand, frequent use of Superchargers at peak times can significantly increase cost-per-mile.

For many EV owners, especially those commuting or taking short regional trips, plug-in habits shape the ownership experience just as much as the vehicle itself.

A Note for Urban Explorers and On-the-Go Travelers

While this cost report focuses on electricity, it also surfaces a growing trend: people are spending more time in their EVs. From long commutes to weekend drives and spontaneous naps between errands, the cabin of a Tesla is becoming a multi-functional space.

If you’re among the many who rest, recharge (yourself), or even overnight in your Tesla, you may want to consider outfitting it with supportive gear. A Havnby Air+Foam Mattress fits perfectly in the back of a Model Y, offering a quick and discreet way to turn your EV into a mobile lounge or nap pod—ideal for those navigating big cities like LA or San Francisco.