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Help with calculations / charge costs.

EmotionalClassroom81 | 2026-03-13 20:03 | 22 views

Happy Friday, everyone. I’m strongly considering buying a Tesla Model 3 and was hoping to get some insight from current owners. Right now I drive an Audi A4 and average about 26–27 MPG on the highway. It’s not getting the mileage it should, and it’s starting to cost me quite a bit in gas, so I’m thinking about replacing it. My daily commute is about 29 miles each way, and I’m currently putting around $20 of gas in the tank every other day. Could anyone share what the average weekly charging cost might be for a Tesla with a commute like mine? I’d really love a Model S, but a Model 3 is probably the more realistic option for me right now. I’m assuming the cost per mile is fairly similar across models, but I could be wrong. Thanks in advance for any insight, and I hope this is the right place to ask!

Comments (5)
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Mysterious-Maize307 2026-03-14 00:16

60 Miles a day? With L-2 charging during off peak hours where I live it would be like 1-2 dollars a day maybe. But if you are in someplace like California or are going to use superchargers it will be much more expensive and could potentially approach the cost of gas. Lots of variables here. 26-27 on the highway would be what 2.5 gallons/day? You have to weigh other costs like potentially more costly insurance etc. That said I love my M3 AWD Highland. Half the year I make a 175 mile daily commute, charge it in my garage with a L-2 charger and with off peak charging it cost me a few dollars a day to drive it, but I haven’t done the math to tell you the exact numbers. Just like with your Audi your driving style will have the most to do with your range and thus your cost along with where you live and how you charge.

SubieSTI360 2026-03-14 00:20

I don’t have enough data yet to give you numbers. But just rough estimate. It’s gotta be 1/4 of what I spent on my STI drinking premium and getting 17mph. If you can charge at home it’s a no brainer Ps.. that’s with me driving pretty aggressively in a M3P. If I got a non-performance and drive like a sane person. Charge at home off peak. It’s peanuts

fratzba 2026-03-14 01:43

Roughly, look at your electric bill to see what you pay for electricity per kWh. You will get 3-4 miles per kWh typically, as a rough estimate.

fratzba 2026-03-14 01:46

Also, consider the massively reduced maintenance costs. No oil changes, tune ups, etc. just tires, windshield wipers and fluid, and a cabin air filter occasionally. Oh, and if you want one of those 🌲air fresheners, that too. 😀

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